Improving cancer treatment with a new type of targeted radiotherapy
Official title: Maximizing tumor responses to targeted radiotherapy with a conditionally activated membrane binding probe
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11003773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to make targeted radiotherapy for cancer patients more effective by using special peptides that can be activated by enzymes in tumors, helping to deliver treatment directly to the cancer while reducing side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 22, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $669,794 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279328-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003773 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing targeted radiotherapy who may benefit from enhanced treatment efficacy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who are not receiving targeted radiotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of targeted radiotherapy (TRT) for cancer patients by developing innovative radiopharmaceuticals known as restricted interaction peptides (RIPs). These peptides are designed to be activated by specific enzymes found in tumors, allowing them to bind effectively to cancer cell membranes and deliver therapeutic radioisotopes directly to the tumor site. By using advanced imaging techniques like PET, the research aims to better understand how these new agents can maximize tumor responses and minimize side effects. This approach seeks to address the variability in patient responses to existing TRT methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized cancer treatments with improved outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using targeted radiotherapy approaches, but this specific method utilizing restricted interaction peptides is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, Michael John — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Evans, Michael John
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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.