Improving how targeted cancer drugs work and reducing their side effects
Enhancement of ADC selectivity by inverse targeting: Mechanistic studies and optimization
This project aims to make targeted cancer drugs, called antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), safer and more effective for patients by reducing their unwanted side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11094156 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many cancer treatments use special drugs called antibody-drug conjugates, or ADCs, which are designed to deliver powerful anti-cancer agents directly to cancer cells. While these drugs have been successful, they often cause side effects in healthy tissues because some of the drug can go where it's not intended. Our approach introduces a new strategy using special antibody fragments that can 'catch' the drug payload in healthy tissues, preventing it from causing harm. By doing this, we hope to reduce side effects, allow for higher, more effective doses of ADCs, and ultimately improve how well these treatments work for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for cancer patients who are currently receiving or may in the future receive antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapies.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer is not treated with antibody-drug conjugates or who do not respond to these types of therapies may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to cancer treatments that are more powerful against tumors while causing fewer side effects for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While several antibody-drug conjugates are already approved and successful, this project introduces a novel pharmacokinetic strategy to enhance their selectivity and reduce toxicity.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balthasar, Joseph P — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Balthasar, Joseph P
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 below.