Improving liver cancer treatment with targeted immunotherapy and imaging techniques
Official title: Image-guided Interventional Combination Liver Cancer Immunotherapy
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10819162 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | March 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $350,267 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA241532-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10819162 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who are eligible for immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver cancer who are not candidates for immunotherapy or those with advanced disease stages may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zhuoli — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zhuoli
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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.