Using bacterial toxins to create a new cancer treatment with sugars
Official title: Taming two bacterial toxins into an anticancer agent with "sweets"
Funded at Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge · NIH-10866936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment for people with advanced lung cancer by using special bacterial toxins that can specifically target and kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, making it a promising option for improving their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baton Rouge, United States) |
| Project start | June 17, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $378,675 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA290139-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10866936 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, especially those exhibiting high levels of Sialyl Lewis X in their tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage lung cancer or those whose tumors do not express Sialyl Lewis X may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel anticancer agent by utilizing bacterial toxins that can target and inhibit cancer cell growth, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The approach involves binding a specific sugar molecule, Sialyl Lewis X (SLeX), which is overexpressed in cancer cells, to enhance the delivery of the toxins directly to the tumor. By fusing a modified form of Pseudomonas exotoxin A with antibodies, the research aims to create a targeted treatment that can effectively kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This innovative strategy could potentially improve outcomes for patients with advanced lung cancer and brain metastases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective treatment option for patients with advanced lung cancer, particularly those with brain metastases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using modified bacterial toxins for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential based on earlier successes.
Where this research is happening
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Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Chen — Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
- Study coordinator: Chen, Chen
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.