Improving cancer treatment by using nanoparticles to enhance radiation therapy
Official title: Expanding the therapeutic window of chemoradiation through radiation-responsive nanoparticle drug depots
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11083240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | March 11, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $644,034 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA293888-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer or other aggressive cancers that are difficult to control with standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers or those who do not require aggressive treatment may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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.