Image-guided oxygen-enhanced photodynamic therapy for head and neck cancer using multifunctional nanodroplets
Official title: Image-guided oxygen enhanced photodynamic therapy with multi-functional nanodroplets to improve head and neck cancer treatment outcomes
Funded at Tufts University Medford · NIH-11367362 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment approach uses special nanodroplets and light-activated therapy to target head and neck cancer more precisely while sparing healthy tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Medford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $507,829 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266701-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367362 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, especially oral cavity cancer, who are candidates for surgery and multimodal therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that are not accessible to the nanodroplet–photoactivation approach or with contraindications to PDT or imaging-guided therapies.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve outcomes for people with head and neck cancer by delivering a smarter, localized therapy that combines oxygen delivery, imaging guidance, and light-activated treatment. The approach uses Verisite nanodroplets to enhance oxygen presence, photosensitizer delivery, and light activation at tumor sites, guiding treatment with imaging to hit cancer more accurately. The goal is to reduce damage to surrounding tissues, potentially lowering side effects and improving surgical results. Researchers plan to translate this platform into clinical use by optimizing therapy parameters and assessing safety and effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience more effective tumor control with fewer side effects and better preservation of function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous photodynamic therapy approaches show promise, but this platform aims to overcome limitations in oxygen delivery and tumor localization.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Medford
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mallidi, Srivalleesha — Tufts University Medford
- Study coordinator: Mallidi, Srivalleesha
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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.