Light-activated tumor treatment after palliative radiation for blocked central airways
Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy Following Palliative Radiotherapy for Patients with Inoperable Malignant Central Airway Obstruction
This research gives targeted light-activated therapy after palliative radiation to people whose central airways are blocked by inoperable tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285208 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If a tumor is pressing on my central airway and surgery isn't possible, doctors would give a light-sensitive drug (Photofrin®) and place small light fibers into the tumor to activate it with laser light (image-guided interstitial photodynamic therapy, I-PDT). The team will use computerized treatment planning and dosimetry to direct the light dose to the tumor while protecting nearby normal tissue. They plan to give palliative x-ray radiotherapy first to raise tumor oxygen levels and improve light transmission, because animal data suggest this combination increases tumor response. The approach builds on a Phase I safety trial that showed promising results and aims to increase the rate of complete and partial tumor shrinkage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inoperable malignant central airway obstruction from lung cancer or metastatic tumors who are eligible for palliative radiotherapy and can undergo photodynamic therapy procedures.
Not a fit: Patients with widespread disease not suitable for local treatment, those who are candidates for curative surgery, or those too medically frail for procedural therapy may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could shrink airway tumors, relieve breathing problems, and potentially extend or improve quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: A prior Phase I trial of Photofrin®-based image-guided I-PDT showed safety and encouraging responses, while combining it with palliative radiotherapy is a newer approach based on supportive animal data.
Where this research is happening
Buffalo, United States
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp — Buffalo, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shafirstein, Gal — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Shafirstein, Gal
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.