Radiation-activated nanoparticles to target lung tumors
Official title: Development of a radiation-activatable nanoparticle for lung cancer therapy
Funded at Athna Biotech, INC. · NIH-11254781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A tiny, radiation-activated drug carrier that releases powerful cancer-fighting medicine inside lung tumors to help people with non-small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Athna Biotech, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 14, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $901,390 |
| NIH project number | 2R42CA257584-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11254781 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with non-small cell lung cancer—especially those with unresectable, locally advanced tumors and tumors that test positive for the NTSR1 marker—would be the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not express NTSR1, those not receiving radiation, or people with other cancer types are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project develops tiny drug-filled particles that travel through the bloodstream and home to lung tumors using a targeting ligand that binds NTSR1, a protein often higher on lung cancer cells. The particles carry a chemically locked form of a potent chemotherapy (DM1-NO) that stays inactive until tumor radiation increases oxidative stress. When radiation is given, the particle releases DM1 and nitric oxide locally, aiming to make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation while limiting drug exposure elsewhere. The company is testing these nanoparticles in lab and animal models now with the goal of moving to human trials if results show improved tumor control and safety compared with standard chemoradiation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make radiation more effective against lung tumors while reducing the systemic side effects of traditional chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Using radiation to trigger local drug release and combining radiosensitizers with nanoparticles is a relatively new strategy with encouraging preclinical results but limited evidence yet from human trials.
Where this research is happening
-
Athna Biotech, INC.
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Jin — Athna Biotech, INC.
- Study coordinator: Xie, Jin
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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.