New treatment approach for lung cancer using modified RNA technology
Official title: Modified saRNA Encoded BiTEs for Lung Cancer
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11029534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat lung cancer using a special technology that helps your immune system better fight the cancer cells, aiming to create a treatment that lasts longer and works more effectively just for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $635,248 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA296810-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11029534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with lung cancer who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with lung cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel method to treat lung cancer by utilizing self-amplifying ribonucleic acid (saRNA) technology that encodes a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) antibody. The approach aims to enhance the immune response against lung cancer cells by improving the delivery and effectiveness of therapeutic proteins. By optimizing the use of modified nucleotides, the researchers hope to reduce the immune response that typically degrades saRNA, thereby increasing the duration and potency of the treatment. Patients may benefit from a more effective and longer-lasting cancer therapy that targets their specific cancer cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective treatment for lung cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of saRNA technology is promising, this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grinstaff, Mark W. — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Grinstaff, Mark W.
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Optimizing lung cancer care with smart tools for prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship
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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.