TGFβ-targeted imaging and radiotherapy for cancers
Systematic Testing of a TGFβ Targeted Theranostic in Preclinical Cancer
This project develops a single antibody-based approach that can image active TGFβ in tumors by PET and deliver targeted radioactive treatment for people with cancers such as brain metastases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248374 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating an antibody that binds to active TGFβ in tumors and labeling it with a PET imaging isotope (89Zr) so doctors can see which tumors have active TGFβ. They will also label the same antibody with a therapeutic radioactive isotope (177Lu) to deliver radiation directly to those tumors. Most work is preclinical in lab and animal models to learn how well the imaging identifies tumors and how effective the targeted radiation is at killing cancer cells. The UCSF team combines imaging, radiochemistry, and radiation biology expertise to test targeting, dose delivery, and biological effects before any human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients whose tumors show active TGFβ signaling — including some brain metastases and other solid tumors — would be the most appropriate candidates for this approach.
Not a fit: People whose tumors lack TGFβ activation or whose cancers are not reachable by the antibody are unlikely to benefit from this therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors identify TGFβ-active tumors and deliver focused radioactive therapy that minimizes damage to healthy tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Radiopharmaceutical therapies have proven effective in several cancers, but using a TGFβ-targeted theranostic is a newer approach that remains mostly at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barcellos-Hoff, Mary Helen — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Barcellos-Hoff, Mary Helen
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.