Improving cancer treatment by activating the immune response during radiation therapy
Enhancing the antitumor effect of radiation therapy by targeting the cGAS-STING pathway
This study is looking at how boosting a part of the immune system can make radiation therapy work better for people with advanced cancer, helping to find out which immune cells are most helpful in fighting the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10949074 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how activating the cGAS-STING pathway can enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy in treating advanced cancers. By examining the immune cells present in tumors, the study aims to identify which specific immune cell populations contribute to better treatment outcomes. The approach involves combining radiotherapy with immune activation to potentially trigger a stronger antitumor response. Patients may benefit from a deeper understanding of how their immune system interacts with cancer treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with advanced cancers who are undergoing or considering radiation therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that harness the body's immune system to fight tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing cancer treatment outcomes by activating immune pathways, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fang, Yan — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fang, Yan
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.