Improving liver cancer treatment with targeted immunotherapy and imaging techniques
Image-guided Interventional Combination Liver Cancer Immunotherapy
This study is looking at a new way to help your immune system's natural killer cells fight liver cancer better by using tiny biodegradable particles to deliver a cancer drug right to the tumors, so doctors can see how well the treatment is working and make changes if needed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10819162 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy for liver cancer by improving how these immune cells reach tumor sites. The approach involves using biodegradable microspheres to deliver a cancer drug, sorafenib, alongside NK cells directly to the blood supply of tumors, guided by imaging techniques. By monitoring the movement of NK cells to the tumors, the research aims to provide early indicators of treatment response, allowing for timely adjustments to therapy. This innovative method seeks to overcome current limitations in tracking and enhancing NK cell activity against liver cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who are eligible for immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with liver cancer who are not candidates for immunotherapy or those with advanced disease stages may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for liver cancer patients, improving their chances of recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using NK cell therapies and imaging techniques, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in liver cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zhuoli — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zhuoli
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.