Radiation‑activated nanoparticles that release chemotherapy directly in tumors
Expanding the therapeutic window of chemoradiation through radiation-responsive nanoparticle drug depots
This project uses tiny particles that release chemotherapy when X‑ray radiation is applied to concentrate treatment in tumors and lower side effects for people getting chemoradiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301009 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will develop tiny, drug‑loaded particles that sit in or near a tumor and release chemotherapy only when hit by X‑ray radiation. The team will test how well the particles convert radiation into a local release signal, keep drug concentrated in irradiated tissue, and limit drug spreading through the body. Lab experiments and animal models will be used to measure tumor control and safety before any human testing. If the approach works, it could be moved toward clinical trials for patients who get combined radiation and chemotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People receiving X‑ray radiation together with chemotherapy for solid tumors—especially tumors that are hard to control locally—would be the likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with blood cancers, widely metastatic disease, or those who cannot receive radiation or intratumoral/deviced delivery would likely not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let radiation plus chemotherapy work better on tumors while reducing the systemic side effects patients experience.
How similar studies have performed: Related nanoparticle radiosensitizers have shown promise in lab and animal studies, but radiation‑triggered drug depots of this exact type are a newer approach that still needs proof‑of‑concept.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Miles a — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Miller, Miles a
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.