Radiation-activated nanoparticles to target lung tumors
Development of a radiation-activatable nanoparticle for lung cancer therapy
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ATHNA BIOTECH, INC. · NIH-11254781
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
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ATHNA BIOTECH, INC. (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Athens, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11254781 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express NTSR1, those not receiving radiation, or people with other cancer types are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
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 performed: 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
Athens, UNITED STATES
- ATHNA BIOTECH, INC. — Athens, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: XIE, JIN — ATHNA BIOTECH, INC.
- Study coordinator: XIE, JIN
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 below.
Conditions: Breast Cancer