New treatment for a type of eye cancer using immunotherapy

Novel Immunotherapy Targeting Local and Systemic Immunity for Treatment of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

NIH-funded research Colorado State University · NIH-11113042

This study is testing a new eye cancer treatment called liposomal-TLR agonist immunotherapy (LTAC) to see how well it can help people with ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), a type of eye cancer that currently has no approved options, by using a horse model to learn how the immune system reacts to the therapy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColorado State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fort Collins, United States)
Project IDNIH-11113042 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel immunotherapy called liposomal-TLR agonist immunotherapy (LTAC) to treat ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), a type of eye cancer that currently has no approved treatments. The approach involves administering the therapy topically and perilesionally to induce an immune response against the cancer. The study will utilize an equine model to explore how the immune system responds to this treatment, analyzing both local and systemic immune responses through various assays and biopsies. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to improve treatment options for patients suffering from OSSN.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ocular surface squamous neoplasia who are seeking new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of ocular cancers or those who do not have ocular surface squamous neoplasia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new effective treatment option for patients with ocular surface squamous neoplasia.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of OSSN, similar immunotherapy strategies have shown promise in treating other cancers.

Where this research is happening

Fort Collins, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.