Liposomal immune therapy for eye-surface cancer (OSSN)
Novel Immunotherapy Targeting Local and Systemic Immunity for Treatment of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
['FUNDING_R21'] · COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11314601
A new liposome-formulated immune treatment is being developed to help people with ocular surface squamous neoplasia, a cancer on the front surface of the eye.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11314601 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are using a natural horse model of the same eye cancer to study a liposomal TLR agonist given as eye drops and local injections. They will collect tumor biopsies and corneal swabs to examine local immune cells and gene activity, and run blood tests to look for tumor-specific T cells and antibodies. The team aims to identify immune features linked to why some tumors respond while others resist treatment. Those insights will help guide development of similar immune-based therapies for people with OSSN.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with ocular surface squamous neoplasia, especially those with recurrent, persistent, or difficult-to-treat lesions, would be the most likely candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients without OSSN or those needing immediate, approved treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early-stage animal-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new topical or local immune therapies that clear OSSN and reduce the need for surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Immune-stimulating topical therapies have shown promise in animal models and some mucosal cancers, but using liposomal TLR agonists for OSSN is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES
- COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY — FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DOW, STEVEN W. — COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DOW, STEVEN W.
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.