NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving cancer treatment by enhancing immune response through targeted gene delivery.

Official title: Targeted Gene Delivery and Human Dendritic Cell Maturation Through a Novel Hybrid Biological-Biomaterial Vector System

Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10793536 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to help your immune system fight cancer by delivering special genetic materials to important immune cells, with the hope of making cancer treatments work better for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of New York at Buffalo
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Amherst, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$454,261
NIH project number5R01CA270155-02
Project IDNIH-10793536 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic cancers who have not responded well to existing immunotherapy treatments.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage cancers or those who are not candidates for immunotherapy may not receive benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel hybrid delivery system that combines biological and biomaterial components to effectively deliver genetic antigens to dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in initiating immune responses against cancer. By addressing the challenges of current antigen delivery methods, the study aims to enhance the activation of dendritic cells and improve their ability to trigger a sustained immune response in cancer patients. The approach is based on promising preliminary results from previous clinical trials that suggest potential long-term benefits for patients. If successful, this method could lead to more effective immunotherapies for cancer treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies, leading to better patient outcomes and survival rates.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with dendritic cell vaccination strategies, indicating that this approach could build on established successes in the field.

Where this research is happening

  • State University of New York at Buffalo
    Amherst, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Pfeifer, Blaine a. — State University of New York at Buffalo
  • Study coordinator: Pfeifer, Blaine a.

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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.