Improving cancer vaccines by using special materials to enhance immune response

Overcoming vaccine-associated hypoxia with advanced biomaterials to enhance cancer immunotherapy

['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-10818348

This study is exploring a new way to make cancer vaccines work better by using special materials that release oxygen, helping the immune system fight prostate cancer more effectively.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10818348 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of tumor cell vaccines by using advanced oxygen-releasing biomaterials to combat local hypoxia, which can suppress the immune response against tumors. The approach involves engineering these vaccines to improve the activation of immune cells, particularly dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in initiating an immune response. By testing these biomaterials in mouse models of prostate cancer, the researchers aim to optimize their properties for better safety and efficacy, ultimately leading to stronger and longer-lasting antitumor immunity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with prostate cancer who may benefit from enhanced immunotherapy approaches.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not respond to immunotherapy or those who are not eligible for vaccine-based treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer vaccines that significantly improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using biomaterials to enhance immune responses, suggesting that this approach could be a significant advancement in cancer immunotherapy.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers, neoplasm/cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.