Improving cancer treatment with a new type of targeted radiotherapy

Maximizing tumor responses to targeted radiotherapy with a conditionally activated membrane binding probe

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11003773

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11003773 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing targeted radiotherapy who may benefit from enhanced treatment efficacy.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who are not receiving targeted radiotherapy may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.