Light-activated targeted therapy that boosts immune response against ovarian cancer
Fractionated photoimmunotherapy to harness low-dose immunostimulation in ovarian cancer
A near-infrared, antibody-guided light therapy is being developed to kill ovarian cancer cells while protecting and stimulating nearby immune cells so tumors respond better to immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126783 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have advanced or recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, researchers are developing a near-infrared, antibody-guided therapy that targets EGFR-positive tumor cells and destroys them with light. They plan to deliver the light treatment in fractionated (split) low doses to spare and even stimulate local T cells and dendritic cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mathematical modeling, 3-D cell culture experiments, imaging, and computer simulations will guide dosing to maximize cancer cell death while preserving immune cells. The overall goal is to turn immunologically “cold” tumors into “hot” ones that are more likely to respond to checkpoint inhibitor drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with advanced or recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer whose tumors express EGFR and who are eligible for combined local photoimmunotherapy and systemic immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express EGFR, who cannot receive light-activated or antibody treatments, or who have early-stage disease unlikely to require this approach may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make immunotherapy work better for patients with advanced ovarian cancer by reducing tumor cells and boosting local anti-tumor immune responses.
How similar studies have performed: Photoimmunotherapy has shown promise in preclinical and some early clinical settings for selective tumor killing, but using fractionated low doses specifically to stimulate immune cells in ovarian cancer is a novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Northeastern University — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spring, Bryan Quilty — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Spring, Bryan Quilty
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.