Light-activated antibody nanoparticles to help chemotherapy work better for ovarian cancer in the abdomen
Targeting Fluid Stress-induced Chemoresistance in a 3D Carcinomatosis Perfusion Model Using Mechanism-based Photo-immunoconjugate Nanoparticles
Using light-activated antibody-coated nanoparticles to help chemotherapy work better for people with advanced ovarian cancer that spreads in the belly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237583 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses lab-grown 3D tumor models and fluid flow that mimic ovarian cancer nodules floating in ascites to recreate how tumors become resistant to chemo. The team combines photo-activated antibodies with tiny nanoparticles to boost delivery into tumor nodules under those fluid conditions. They have shown improved delivery and treatment effect with this nanoparticle approach in mice and now are testing how well it overcomes fluid-driven resistance in realistic models. The goal is to find ways to make platinum-based chemotherapy and light-based treatments kill tumors that now survive in the peritoneal cavity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer that has spread across the peritoneal surfaces and who have or are at risk of ascites are the likely candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer confined to the ovary, non-ovarian cancers, or those without peritoneal spread are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make chemotherapy and light-based treatments more effective against platinum-resistant ovarian cancer that spreads in the abdomen.
How similar studies have performed: Related photoimmunotherapy and nanoparticle delivery approaches have shown promise in animal studies, but using them specifically to overcome fluid-induced chemo-resistance in peritoneal models is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
College Park, United States
- Univ of Maryland, College Park — College Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Huang Chiao — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Huang, Huang Chiao
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.