Targeted exosome therapy for pancreatic cancer
Engineering Exosome for Pancreatic Cancer Targeting Therapies
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO HEALTH SCI CAMPUS · NIH-11174601
Researchers are developing engineered exosomes that latch onto pancreatic cancer cells and avoid immune clearance to deliver drugs more effectively for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO HEALTH SCI CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (TOLEDO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174601 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, this work modifies tiny natural particles called exosomes to carry cancer medicines directly to pancreatic tumors. The team adds a tumor-homing peptide (RGD) so the exosomes bind cancer cells that express integrin αvβ3, and a small CD47-derived peptide to help them evade clearance by macrophages in the liver and spleen. They test these engineered exosomes in laboratory experiments and animal models to measure tumor targeting, circulation time, and delivery efficiency. The goal is to make treatments that reach tumors better and reduce side effects from drugs going to the wrong places.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related future trials would be people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially tumors that express the integrin αvβ3 target.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack the integrin αvβ3 target, those with other cancer types, or anyone seeking immediate standard-of-care treatment may not benefit from this preclinical-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let therapies reach pancreatic tumors more reliably and reduce toxicity from off-target delivery.
How similar studies have performed: Similar engineered exosome approaches have shown encouraging results in lab and animal studies, but clinical proof in people remains limited.
Where this research is happening
TOLEDO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO HEALTH SCI CAMPUS — TOLEDO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIU, SHI-HE — UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO HEALTH SCI CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: LIU, SHI-HE
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: Cancer Biology, Cancer Treatment, Cancers