Using bacterial toxins to create a new cancer treatment with sugars
Taming two bacterial toxins into an anticancer agent with "sweets"
['FUNDING_R21'] · LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE · NIH-10866936
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
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BATON ROUGE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10866936 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage lung cancer or those whose tumors do not express Sialyl Lewis X may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
BATON ROUGE, UNITED STATES
- 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 below.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents