Light-activated therapy for abdominal aortic aneurysms
Photodynamic Therapy for Aortic Aneurysms
A light-activated treatment aims to strengthen the wall of abdominal aortic aneurysms and reduce harmful inflammation for people with AAA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139552 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and researchers are testing a light-activated (photodynamic) approach that may make the aortic wall stronger. In mouse models this treatment has stopped aneurysm growth and appears to increase collagen cross-linking in the vessel wall. The team will measure changes in extracellular matrix proteins, enzymes that break down the matrix (MMPs/TIMPs), and immune cell types in the aorta. These experiments are preclinical steps to understand how the therapy works before any human treatments are offered.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with abdominal aortic aneurysms, particularly those with small-to-moderate aneurysms not currently requiring emergency repair, would be the eventual candidates for this approach.
Not a fit: People with ruptured aneurysms or very large aneurysms needing immediate surgical repair are unlikely to benefit from this experimental preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could strengthen the aortic wall, slow or stop aneurysm growth, and reduce the risk of rupture or need for surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Photodynamic therapy has shown effectiveness in cancer settings and halted aneurysm growth in prior mouse studies, but applying PDT to AAA is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oskowitz, Adam — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Oskowitz, Adam
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.