Targeting lung cancer with a new nanotherapy that enhances radiation treatment
Official title: PLK1 and EGFR targeted nanoconstruct as a monotherapy and a radiation sensitizer for lung cancer
Funded at Pdx Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-11159882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called PETTRA that aims to help people with lung cancer by targeting specific tumors and making radiation therapy work better, all while focusing on keeping the treatment safe and effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pdx Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $914,249 |
| NIH project number | 4R44CA285233-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with lung cancer who have tumors expressing EGFR.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung cancer that do not express EGFR or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel nanotherapeutic called PETTRA, which targets lung tumors that express the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The therapy delivers small interfering RNA (siRNA) against Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), a protein involved in cell division and DNA repair. By inhibiting PLK1, the therapy aims to induce cell death and enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy, which is commonly used in lung cancer treatment. The research will optimize the nanotherapy to improve its safety and efficacy in targeting lung cancer cells specifically.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for lung cancer patients, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been successful applications of nanoparticle delivery systems in other contexts, this specific approach targeting solid tumors with siRNA is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Pdx Pharmaceuticals, INC.
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ngamcherdtrakul, Worapol — Pdx Pharmaceuticals, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ngamcherdtrakul, Worapol
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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.