TLR-based Nano-therapy delivered into the abdomen to fight peritoneal metastases
Official title: TLR Agonist Nano-Immune Therapy for Peritoneal Metastases
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11392520 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new nano-therapy given directly into the abdomen uses TLR-agonist–modified particles to target and kill cancer cells in people with peritoneal metastases, especially from ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,393,708 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA293942-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392520 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with peritoneal metastases, particularly from ovarian or colorectal cancer, who are eligible for experimental intraperitoneal therapies under a clinical research protocol.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unlikely to benefit include those without peritoneal metastases or who cannot tolerate intraperitoneal administration due to medical constraints.
What this research studies
This project tests tiny silica nanoparticles that carry immune-activating signals delivered into the peritoneal cavity to engage immune cells near tumor implants. By comparing intraperitoneal versus other delivery routes in preclinical models, researchers aim to understand how the particles travel, where they go, and how they trigger tumor destruction while monitoring safety. The goal is to develop a targeted, locally acting immunotherapy that could improve outcomes for patients with peritoneal metastases from ovarian or colorectal cancer. The work builds on evidence that delivering therapy directly into the abdomen can overcome barriers seen with traditional, systemic approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new, effective treatment option that promotes immune-led tumor destruction within the abdomen for patients with peritoneal metastases.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical results showed tumor eradication in models with intraperitoneal TLR-agonist–modified nanoparticles, while other routes were less effective, suggesting a potentially translatable advantage.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Serda, Rita Elena — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Serda, Rita Elena
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Nanoparticle immune therapy for cancer spread in the abdomen
A tiny-particle immune treatment delivered into the abdomen to target ovarian and colorectal cancers that have spread to the peritoneal lining.
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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.