Tumor-activated peptide that helps targeted radiation stick to and kill cancer cells
Maximizing tumor responses to targeted radiotherapy with a conditionally activated membrane binding probe
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11238096
This project develops a tumor-activated peptide that helps targeted radioactive therapies stick to cancers longer to improve treatment for people receiving radioligand therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238096 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing small peptides that stay inactive in the bloodstream but are cut by enzymes in tumors to reveal a sticky piece that binds tumor cell membranes. The sticky, radiolabeled peptide is intended to hold the radioactive payload inside the tumor so it delivers more radiation to cancer cells and less to healthy tissue. The team will test these 'restricted interaction peptides' with lab experiments, PET imaging, and preclinical models to measure how well they bind, how long they remain in tumors, and how much they improve tumor killing. If those steps succeed, the approach could progress toward clinical trials that enroll patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers treated by targeted radioligand or molecular radiotherapy—such as certain neuroendocrine tumors or prostate cancer—would be the most likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack the specific activating enzyme or who are not candidates for radioligand therapy may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make targeted radiotherapy more effective and longer-lasting, potentially shrinking tumors more reliably while reducing side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Approved radioligand drugs like Lutathera and Pluvicto show that targeted radiotherapy can work in patients, but this tumor-activated membrane-binding peptide approach is new and has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: EVANS, MICHAEL JOHN — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: EVANS, MICHAEL JOHN
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.