Improving Head and Neck Cancer Treatment with Targeted Light and Oxygen
Official title: Image-guided oxygen enhanced photodynamic therapy with multi-functional nanodroplets to improve head and neck cancer treatment outcomes
Funded at Tufts University Medford · NIH-11173791 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores a new way to treat head and neck cancer using special light-activated nanoparticles and oxygen to target cancer cells more precisely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Medford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $328,240 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266701-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11173791 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is focused on patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly oral cavity cancer, who are seeking less invasive and more effective treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer is not suitable for light-based therapies or those with very advanced, widespread disease may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
Head and neck cancers, especially in the mouth, can be very challenging to treat, often requiring extensive surgery that affects appearance and function. Current treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can have severe side effects without always improving survival. We are developing a new approach called photodynamic therapy (PDT) that uses light to destroy cancer cells with minimal harm to healthy tissues. Our method involves tiny particles that deliver a light-sensitive drug and oxygen directly to the tumor, making the treatment more effective and precise. This could lead to less invasive surgeries and better outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new treatment could offer a more targeted way to remove head and neck tumors, potentially reducing the need for extensive surgery and minimizing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Photodynamic therapy is an established cancer treatment, but this project introduces a novel nano-platform designed to significantly enhance its effectiveness by improving drug delivery and oxygen availability at the tumor site.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Medford
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mallidi, Srivalleesha — Tufts University Medford
- Study coordinator: Mallidi, Srivalleesha
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Biomarker to guide treatment in head and neck cancer
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Intensive dental care during cancer follow-up to protect teeth after head and neck radiation
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A United Kingdom study is testing AI software that helps plan radiotherapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to save time and reduce the workload for clinicians in low-resource settings.
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A UK research team is testing an AI-based software to automatically outline cancer areas and plan radiation beams to speed up treatment for cervical and head-and-neck cancers in LMICs.
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.