Engineered prodrug to stop cancer growth and spread
An engineered prodrug for inhibition of cancer growth and metastasis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11253290
This project tests a specially designed drug that aims to target and kill metastatic tumor cells in people with ovarian, lung, or colon cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11253290 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a new drug-delivery approach that uses modified anthrax toxin proteins to carry powerful cancer-killing agents directly into tumor cells. The proteins are engineered to become active only when they meet specific enzymes (membrane-anchored serine proteases) that are overactive on the surface of many solid tumors, especially serous ovarian cancer. The team will test this strategy in laboratory and preclinical models of ovarian, lung, and colon cancer to see if it can stop tumor growth and prevent metastasis. If results are promising, the work would support future clinical testing in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would be people with advanced or recurrent serous ovarian cancer, and possibly patients with metastatic lung or colon cancers whose tumors express the target proteases.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express the activating membrane serine proteases, people with hematologic (blood) cancers, or those ineligible for experimental treatments are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could produce a more selective chemotherapy that kills metastatic tumor cells while reducing harm to normal tissues.
How similar studies have performed: Using engineered toxin proteins for targeted drug delivery is a relatively new strategy with encouraging preclinical results but limited clinical precedent so far.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ANTALIS, TONI M — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: ANTALIS, TONI M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.