Multifunctional nanoparticles to boost melanoma immunotherapy
Official title: Multifunctional nanoparticles for improved immunotherapy of melanoma
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11340962 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new nanoparticle approach using ultrasound-triggered systems aims to make melanoma immunotherapy work better for patients who don’t respond well to current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $640,113 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA311580-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11340962 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with melanoma who could benefit from improved immunotherapy outcomes, including those with resistant or partially responsive tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without melanoma or those whose tumors do not respond to nanoparticle-based strategies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project plans to create ultrasound-responsive nanoparticles that can both mechanically disrupt melanoma tumors and deliver immune-boosting signals. By combining tumor ablation with sustained drug delivery, the strategy seeks to enhance immune system attack on cancer cells and improve durability of responses. Researchers will test these particles in models of melanoma to see if they improve the tumor environment and help existing immunotherapies work more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make melanoma treatments more effective and durable for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows ultrasound-activated nanoparticles can enhance drug delivery and immune responses in cancer models, with ongoing exploration in melanoma.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yildirim, Adem — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Yildirim, Adem
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Overcoming Melanoma Treatment Resistance with a Special IL-18 Approach
A Yale-led project tests a special engineered IL-18 immune signal to help melanoma patients who don’t fully respond to current therapies.
-
Prebiotic diet to boost gut health and improve immunotherapy response in melanoma
A diet-based approach using prebiotic foods and nutrition counseling is studied alongside standard immunotherapy to help melanoma patients respond better and reduce side effects.
-
New approach to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in melanoma
A new strategy targets a key pathway in melanoma to boost the effectiveness of immune-based therapies for patients whose cancer resists treatment.
-
Multivalent circular mRNA vaccines for melanoma immunotherapy
A cancer vaccine approach using tiny circular mRNA vaccines aimed at boosting immune responses against melanoma in combination with existing immunotherapies.
-
Lymph Node–Targeted Co-delivery for Melanoma Immunotherapy
Aimed at improving melanoma treatment, this project tests a targeted vaccine approach that helps the body’s immune system better attack skin cancer.
-
Enhancing melanoma immune therapy through DNA methylation-boosted T cells
A doctor-led program at Yale will help patients with melanoma by using specially trained CD4 helper T cells that are epigenetically enhanced to fight cancer.
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.