Light-activated treatment to help cancers respond better to immunotherapy
Photodynamic Priming of Cancer and Image-guidance for Optimal Immune Response
This approach uses a light-activated drug to prime tumors so immunotherapy works better for people with cancers such as pancreatic or certain skin cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195093 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers apply photodynamic therapy (a light-activated drug) to damage tumors in a way that draws in immune cells, then follow with immune checkpoint drugs to boost that immune attack. They use advanced imaging that can track multiple tumor and immune markers in real time to guide when and how treatments are given. The program combines laboratory and animal work with clinical projects treating pancreatic adenocarcinoma and non-melanoma skin cancer to refine timing, dose, and safety. The aim is to convert 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones so immunotherapy can work more effectively and with lower toxicity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma or non-melanoma skin cancers who are eligible for photodynamic therapy and immune checkpoint treatments would be the most suitable candidates.
Not a fit: People whose tumors cannot be reached or treated with light-based therapy, or who cannot receive immunotherapy, would likely not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve how well immunotherapy works while allowing lower drug doses and fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Photodynamic therapy has been shown to stimulate immune responses in prior work, but combining image-guided photodynamic priming with checkpoint inhibitors is a newer, actively tested clinical strategy.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hasan, Tayyaba — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hasan, Tayyaba
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.