Targeted nanoparticles combining chemotherapy and immune stimulation for advanced colon cancer
Tumor-Targeted Multimodality Nanoscale Coordination Polymers for Chemo-Immunotherapy of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Targeted nanoparticles that deliver a two-drug chemotherapy combo plus immune-activating components are being developed to help people with metastatic colorectal (colon) cancer that usually does not respond to current immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294219 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work develops nanoscale coordination polymers (NCPs) — tumor-seeking nanoparticles that carry a hydrophilic oxaliplatin prodrug inside and a hydrophobic SN38 prodrug on the shell — to concentrate treatment in tumors. The nanoparticles are designed to improve presentation of tumor antigens and activate T cells so that tumors which are MMR-proficient or MSI-low (and normally resistant to checkpoint inhibitors) become more responsive. The team will deliver these NCPs systemically, study their tumor targeting and immune effects, and combine them with immune checkpoint blockade to look for synergistic anti-tumor responses. Most experiments are preclinical but are aimed at creating a new treatment path that could move toward human testing for metastatic colorectal cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metastatic colorectal cancer, especially those with MMR‑proficient or microsatellite‑stable (MSI‑low) tumors that do not benefit from current checkpoint inhibitors, would be the most relevant group for this work.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer, cancers of other types, or tumors that already respond well to existing immunotherapies are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific program right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make many metastatic colorectal tumors that now resist immunotherapy respond better and potentially improve outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Related nanoparticle and chemo‑immunotherapy approaches have shown encouraging results in lab and animal studies, but clinical success in colorectal cancer is still limited and remains to be demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weichselbaum, Ralph R — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Weichselbaum, Ralph R
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.