Local radiation plus immune stimulation to awaken immune cells in 'cold' breast cancers
In situ radioimmunotherapy to maximize the engagement of conventional type 1 dendritic cells against non-T cell-inflamed tumors
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11143213
This approach uses a dose of local radiation plus drugs that recruit and activate key dendritic immune cells to help people with breast tumors that lack T cells.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143213 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are combining three things applied directly to tumors: Flt3L to bring in a specialized immune cell called cDC1, focused radiation to kill cancer cells and release tumor bits, and TLR3/CD40 agents to activate those dendritic cells so they prime killer CD8+ T cells. The team tests this three-part combination in well-established mouse models of breast cancer to see if it boosts tumor-specific T cell responses and shrinks both treated and distant tumors. The goal is to convert 'cold' (non-T cell-inflamed) tumors into 'hot' tumors that the immune system can better attack. If results are strong in animals, the work could inform early human trials in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The approach would most directly apply to people with breast cancers that are 'non-T cell-inflamed' (low T-cell presence) and that are not responding to current immunotherapies.
Not a fit: This work is currently preclinical so patients cannot enroll now, and people whose tumors already have robust T-cell infiltration or who cannot receive radiation or immune-activating drugs would be less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make immune therapies work for patients whose breast tumors currently do not attract T cells, improving tumor control and response rates.
How similar studies have performed: Combining radiation with immune stimulants has shown promising results in animal studies and some early human trials, but widespread reliable abscopal responses in patients remain uncommon.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ITO, FUMITO — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: ITO, FUMITO
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer