Improving radiation treatment for cancer by targeting specific immune cells
Enhancing the efficacy of radiation by spatially restricting anti-TGFb treatment to the tumor
This study is looking at how to make radiation therapy work better for cancer patients by focusing on special immune cells that help fight tumors, and it aims to find a way to block a certain protein in the tumor area to improve treatment results while keeping the immune system healthy elsewhere.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Providence Health & Services - Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Renton, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127988 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy for cancer by focusing on a specific type of immune cell known as Tstem-like CD8+ T cells. These cells are crucial for fighting tumors and can be influenced by a protein called TGFβ, which can have both positive and negative effects on their function. The study aims to find ways to inhibit TGFβ specifically in the tumor area while preserving its function in surrounding lymph nodes, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy who have a strong immune response.
Not a fit: Patients with tumors that do not respond to radiation therapy or those who are not receiving radiation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved radiation therapy outcomes for cancer patients by enhancing their immune response against tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing cancer treatment by targeting immune responses, making this approach both innovative and grounded in prior success.
Where this research is happening
Renton, United States
- Providence Health & Services - Oregon — Renton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Kristina H — Providence Health & Services - Oregon
- Study coordinator: Young, Kristina H
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.