Enhancing the immune response to cancer treatment with radiotherapy

Overcoming tumor-intrinsic mechanisms of immune evasion to boost systemic response to radiotherapy

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10798495

This study is looking at ways to make radiation therapy work better for people with advanced cancer by combining it with special treatments that help the immune system fight the cancer, focusing on a specific molecule called B7-H3, to see if this can lead to better results for patients with metastatic cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10798495 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to improve the effectiveness of radiotherapy in treating advanced cancers by combining it with immune checkpoint blockade therapies. The approach focuses on understanding and overcoming the mechanisms that tumors use to evade the immune system, particularly through the immune checkpoint molecule B7-H3. By exploring the interactions between tumor cells and immune cells, the research aims to enhance the immune response, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients with metastatic cancer. The study will involve analyzing how these therapies can work together to trigger a broader immune response, known as the abscopal effect, which can help shrink tumors that are not directly targeted by radiation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced metastatic cancers who have not responded adequately to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those who are not candidates for radiotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with advanced cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in combining radiotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, but this specific approach targeting B7-H3 is novel.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Advanced Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.