NIH-funded research R01 grant

Enhancing liver cancer treatment with immune therapy and radiation

Official title: TLR5 enhancement of liver-directed radiotherapy plus immune checkpoint blockade against irradiated liver metastasis and abscopal tumors

Funded at Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11081783 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring a new way to help cancer patients with liver tumors by using a combination of targeted radiation and a special immune therapy, hoping to boost the body's immune response and improve treatment outcomes for both liver and other tumors.

More Metastasis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRoswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Buffalo, United States)
Project startJune 9, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$705,888
NIH project number5R01CA278802-03
Project IDNIH-11081783 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with liver metastasis from various cancers who are undergoing or considering liver-directed radiotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade.

Less likely to help

Patients with primary liver cancers or those who do not have liver metastasis may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to treating liver metastasis in cancer patients by combining liver-directed radiotherapy with immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The study focuses on enhancing the immune response in the liver using a substance called entolimod, which activates specific immune pathways. By improving the effectiveness of these treatments, the goal is to achieve better control over both irradiated liver tumors and non-irradiated tumors elsewhere in the body. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in trials that assess the safety and efficacy of this combined treatment approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with liver metastasis by enhancing the effectiveness of existing therapies.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar immune-modulating therapies, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
    Buffalo, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Brackett, Craig M. — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
  • Study coordinator: Brackett, Craig M.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.