Spatial control of immunogenic cancer killing for locally advanced lung cancer
Official title: Spatial control of synthetic immunogenic cytotoxicity for the treatment of locally advanced lung cancer
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11428611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses radiation-triggered nanoparticles to deliver cancer-killing drugs directly to lung tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
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 start | June 4, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $682,140 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA315856-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11428611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with locally advanced, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer who are candidates for radiotherapy and systemic treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage disease, resectable tumors, or conditions not suited for radiotherapy may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to make cancer treatment more targeted by using SPIDER, a radiation-activated nanoparticle system, to release potent drugs only when X-radiation is applied. By doing so, it seeks to enhance tumor cell death and boost anti-tumor immune responses while reducing off-target side effects. The researchers will test how well this localized delivery works in the context of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer and how it interacts with existing treatments like chemotherapy and PD-1 inhibitors. The work combines nanotechnology, radiotherapy, and immunology to create a more precise, patient-friendly therapy option.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience stronger tumor control with fewer systemic side effects and improved durability of response.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical and early clinical strategies using targeted, radiation-responsive delivery have shown promise in enhancing tumor kill and reducing toxicity, though this exact SPIDER platform is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Miles a — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Miller, Miles a
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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.