Targeted Prodrug Cytokines for Metastatic Breast Cancer Immunotherapy
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11350465 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses tumor-activated, cytokine-based therapies designed to reach metastatic breast cancer by crossing the blood-brain barrier in pre-clinical studies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 17, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $384,524 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA312456-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11350465 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Future patients with metastatic breast cancer or those at high risk for brain metastases could benefit from successful translation of this platform.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage or non-metastatic breast cancer patients may not directly benefit during the initial pre-clinical phase.
What this research studies
This project develops a modular immunotherapy platform that activates cytokines only in the tumor environment, aiming to improve delivery to breast cancer sites including metastases. Researchers will test the approach in cell cultures and animal models that simulate human breast cancer and immune responses. The work focuses on how tumor signals, cytokine activity, and anti-tumor immunity interact, with the goal of building data needed before clinical testing. The study proposes nanobody-cytokine fusions that may specifically target breast tumors and cross into metastatic sites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enable more precise, potent immunotherapy for metastatic breast cancer, potentially reducing tumor growth and improving responses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows cytokine-based strategies can modulate anti-tumor immunity, but the tumor-selective and BBB-crossing aspects of this platform are being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kimmel, Blaise Russel — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Kimmel, Blaise Russel
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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.