Targeted antibody-guided chemo‑radiation for advanced tumors
Spatially precise radio-chemo-immunotherapy using antibody conjugates
This work uses antibodies that deliver chemotherapy-like drugs directly to tumor cells during radiation to improve outcomes for people with locally advanced cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228415 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers attach potent drug payloads to antibodies that seek tumor markers such as EGFR or HER2 so the drug is released inside cancer cells and boosts the effect of radiation. The approach aims to concentrate the radiosensitizing drug in the tumor and reduce damage to nearby normal tissues. The team has tested these antibody‑drug conjugates in mouse tumor models and is optimizing how the antibody, drug, and radiation are combined. The long-term plan is to move this approach toward testing at specialized cancer centers to make combined chemo‑radiation more effective and less toxic for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with locally advanced tumors that express targets like EGFR or HER2 and who are planned to receive combined chemo‑radiation in a specialized center.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express the target receptors, who cannot undergo radiation, or who have widespread metastatic disease may not benefit from this targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve tumor control while reducing normal tissue damage and systemic side effects from chemo‑radiation.
How similar studies have performed: Antibody‑drug conjugates (many using the MMAE payload) are already used in cancer treatment, but using them specifically to sensitize tumors to radiation and activate immune responses is largely experimental and based on preclinical data.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Advani, Sunil J — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Advani, Sunil J
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.