Improving cancer treatment by using nanoparticles to enhance radiation therapy
Expanding the therapeutic window of chemoradiation through radiation-responsive nanoparticle drug depots
This study is testing a new way to make cancer treatments better by using tiny particles to deliver chemotherapy right to the tumor while you receive radiation therapy, which could help you get more effective treatment with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11083240 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatments by developing a new method that uses nanoparticles to deliver chemotherapy directly to tumor sites during radiation therapy. By utilizing X-ray radiation therapy (XRT) to control the release of these nanoparticles, the goal is to increase the concentration of chemotherapy at the tumor while minimizing harmful side effects on healthy tissues. This approach aims to improve local disease control and reduce the toxicities associated with high-dose chemotherapy. Patients may benefit from a more targeted treatment that could lead to better outcomes and fewer debilitating side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer or other aggressive cancers that are difficult to control with standard treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those who do not require aggressive treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments with reduced side effects for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Miles a — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Miller, Miles a
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.