NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

New treatment for advanced liver cancer using light-activated nanoparticles

Official title: Clinical Translation of Interstitial Chemophototherapy with Light-Activated Nanoparticulate Doxorubicin

Funded at Pop Biotechnologies, INC · NIH-10830696 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new treatment for people with advanced liver cancer that combines a special chemotherapy drug with laser light to help target the tumor more effectively and reduce side effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPop Biotechnologies, INC
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Buffalo, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$249,873
NIH project number1SB1CA288098-01
Project IDNIH-10830696 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with locally advanced liver cancer who have not responded to standard treatments.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage liver cancer or those who do not have liver cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel therapy called interstitial chemo-phototherapy (I-CPT) for patients with locally advanced liver cancers. It utilizes a special formulation of doxorubicin, a chemotherapy drug, which is encapsulated in nanoparticles that can be activated by laser light. When the nanoparticles are exposed to a specific wavelength of light, they release the drug directly into the tumor, potentially leading to more effective treatment with fewer side effects. The research aims to optimize this treatment approach and gather necessary safety data to prepare for human clinical trials.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and targeted treatment option for patients with advanced liver cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using light-activated therapies for cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Pop Biotechnologies, INC
    Buffalo, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kutscher, Hilliard — Pop Biotechnologies, INC
  • Study coordinator: Kutscher, Hilliard

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.