NIH-funded research R01 grant

Systemic Targeted Alpha Therapy for Advanced Colorectal Cancer using Lead-203/Lead-212 PRIT

Official title: Systemic Theranostic 203Pb/212Pb Alpha-Radioimmunotherapy for Advanced Colorectal Cancer

Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11433948 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new therapy approach uses alpha-emitting radioisotopes paired for imaging and treatment to target colorectal cancer in patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2031
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$724,256
NIH project number1R01CA317908-01
Project IDNIH-11433948 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with advanced colorectal cancer expressing GPA33 may be eligible for future trials once the therapy advances to clinical testing.

Less likely to help

Patients without GPA33 expression or those unable to tolerate antibody-based therapies may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project aims to create a targeted radioimmunotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer by using a GPA33-targeted antibody combined with a lead-203/lead-212 theranostic pair. Researchers will design and test novel chelators and bispecific antibodies to optimize delivery, stability, and tumor uptake of the therapeutic agent. The goal is to achieve high tumor radiation doses while keeping blood and kidney exposure within safe limits, potentially allowing outpatient treatment. The work includes in vitro testing on GPA33-expressing cancer cells and preclinical assessments to identify a lead candidate for future clinical testing.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could deliver effective tumor kill with manageable toxicity and enable outpatient treatment for advanced colorectal cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work with radioimmunotherapies and targeted alpha therapies shows promise; this project explores an enhanced PRIT approach with novel chelators and bispecific antibodies.

Where this research is happening

  • Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Cheal, Sarah Marie — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
  • Study coordinator: Cheal, Sarah Marie

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.

    This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.

    NIH research Research Triangle Institute · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-9627071

  • Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study

    A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11590756

  • Ceramides and how they affect metabolism and colorectal cancer in adults

    A study in adults with obesity-related health issues will explore how a fat-related molecule called ceramide influences metabolic problems and colorectal cancer risk.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11535283

  • Automated point-of-care DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer in LMICs

    A fast, affordable blood test using DNA markers to help identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11531863

  • Rewiring Colorectal Cancer to Harness Therapeutic Hyperactivation

    A Yale team is exploring brain-storming new ways to treat colorectal cancer by safely boosting certain cancer signaling pathways to kill cancer cells and by reshaping cancer cell states to improve responses to existing therapies.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11505210

  • Comparative modeling to guide colorectal cancer screening and care

    A researcher team will use computer models to study how access to care, risk, and new screening options affect colorectal cancer outcomes and costs for adults in the US.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11495363

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.