New treatment approach for metastatic colorectal cancer using nanoscale polymers
Official title: Tumor-Targeted Multimodality Nanoscale Coordination Polymers for Chemo-Immunotherapy of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11035186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer that uses tiny particles to help your immune system better recognize and fight tumors, especially if your cancer hasn't responded to other therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $466,819 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279802-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, particularly those with MMR-proficient or MSI-low tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with MMR-deficient or MSI-high tumors may not benefit from this research as they may already respond to existing immunotherapies.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) by utilizing nanoscale coordination polymers (NCPs) that can enhance the immune response against tumors. The approach aims to improve the recognition of tumor-associated antigens and activate T-cell responses, particularly for patients whose tumors do not respond to current immunotherapies. By delivering a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy through these specialized polymers, the research seeks to create a more effective treatment option for patients with MMR-proficient or MSI-low tumors. The study will involve systematic delivery of these NCPs to target tumor tissues directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who currently have limited therapeutic options.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of nanoscale coordination polymers in cancer therapy is a novel approach, similar strategies in enhancing immune responses have shown promise in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Wenbin — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Lin, Wenbin
Related research
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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.