Improving targeted radiotherapy using modified antibodies
Official title: Modifying the Single Domain Antibody Framework as Platform for Enhanced Radiotherapy
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11036851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new type of treatment using tiny antibodies that can better target and kill harmful cells, like those in cancer or autoimmune diseases, while causing less harm to healthy cells, so patients can enjoy more effective therapies with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | December 9, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $205,621 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA297395-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036851 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with cancer or autoimmune diseases who may benefit from targeted radiotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not respond to radiotherapy or those who are not eligible for targeted treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing targeted radiotherapeutics, which are treatments that use radiation to specifically kill harmful cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. The approach involves developing a new class of antibodies called nanobodies, which have high affinity for their targets and can be cleared quickly from the bloodstream. By modifying these nanobodies, the research aims to improve their effectiveness in treating conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases. Patients may benefit from more effective treatments with fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer cancer treatments with reduced side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nanobodies for targeted therapies, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larimer, Benjamin M — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Larimer, Benjamin M
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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.