TLR5-based boost for liver-directed radiotherapy plus immune therapy against liver metastases
Official title: TLR5 enhancement of liver-directed radiotherapy plus immune checkpoint blockade against irradiated liver metastasis and abscopal tumors
Funded at Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11324545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment approach uses a TLR5-based signal to enhance liver-directed radiotherapy combined with immune checkpoint blockers to better control liver metastases and distant tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | June 9, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $698,501 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278802-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324545 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with liver-directed metastases from various cancers who are candidates for radiotherapy and immune checkpoint therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without liver metastases or who are not eligible for radiotherapy or checkpoint inhibitors may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve cancer control in patients with liver metastases by combining liver-focused radiotherapy with immune checkpoint therapy and a TLR5 pathway activator. It builds on prior work showing entolimod can boost anti-tumor immunity and protect normal tissue from radiation. The study plans to test whether activating TLR5 in the liver can sustain and expand the benefits of radiotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors, potentially reducing relapse in irradiated and non-irradiated tumors. The research will involve translational work with relevant models and safety data already established in prior studies, aiming to translate findings toward human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience longer-lasting control of liver metastases and distant tumors with a potentially more tolerable safety profile.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data and early safety work in humans suggest potential benefit, but this exact combination is being explored in this grant, making the approach promising but not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brackett, Craig M. — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Brackett, Craig M.
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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.