Targeted nanoparticle imaging and therapy for aggressive prostate cancer
Multimodal dendrimer theranostics targeting aggressive subtypes of prostate cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11195116
This project is testing a PSMA-targeted nanoparticle that combines imaging and treatment for men with aggressive or metastatic prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11195116 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are building tiny tree-shaped nanoparticles (called PAMAM dendrimers) that home to prostate cancer cells using a marker called PSMA. The particles are designed to carry both imaging labels and drugs so doctors could find tumors more easily and deliver therapy directly to cancer cells. The team will optimize how the particles bind PSMA, how they spread through the body, and how well they deliver imaging signals and anti-cancer agents. Work will move from lab tests toward steps needed for possible future use in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be men with PSMA-positive, aggressive or metastatic prostate cancer who might benefit from improved imaging and targeted treatment delivery.
Not a fit: People with PSMA-negative prostate tumors, very early low-risk disease, or allergic reactions to nanoparticle components may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make prostate tumors easier to image and allow more targeted therapy with potentially less collateral toxicity.
How similar studies have performed: PSMA-targeted imaging and radioligand therapies have helped some patients, but using PAMAM dendrimer-based combined imaging-and-therapy agents is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: POMPER, MARTIN G — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: POMPER, MARTIN G
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: American Cancer Society