Nanoparticle immune therapy for cancer spread in the abdomen
TLR Agonist Nano-Immune Therapy for Peritoneal Metastases
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR · NIH-11189710
A tiny-particle immune treatment delivered into the abdomen to target ovarian and colorectal cancers that have spread to the peritoneal lining.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11189710 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project develops silica nanoparticles coated with immune-stimulating molecules and gives them directly into the belly to reach cancer deposits on the peritoneal lining. In animal models the particles are taken up by immune cells in the abdominal cavity, travel to tumor implants, and cleared cancer that had spread in the peritoneum. The research team will study how the delivery route, immune cell trafficking, and toxic effects lead to tumor eradication and durability of protection. Findings aim to guide safer, more effective intraperitoneal immune treatments that could move toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would be people with ovarian or colorectal cancer that has spread to the peritoneal (abdominal) lining who are medically eligible for intraperitoneal treatment.
Not a fit: Patients whose disease is confined to distant organs, who cannot undergo intraperitoneal procedures, or whose tumors lack the relevant immune interactions may not benefit from this therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could eliminate or shrink cancer spread in the abdomen and improve survival and quality of life for people with peritoneal metastases.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies of these intraperitoneal nanoparticles showed strong tumor clearance and protection against rechallenge, but comparable approaches have not yet proven effective in human clinical trials.
Where this research is happening
ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR — ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SERDA, RITA ELENA — UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR
- Study coordinator: SERDA, RITA ELENA
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.