Using cancer cell metabolism to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness
Official title: Exploiting Cancer Metabolism and Drug Efflux with Bystander-Assisted Immunotherapy
Funded at Miami University Oxford · NIH-10909901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help cancer patients by using the unique way cancer cells process drugs to create treatments that boost the immune system and fight tumors while protecting healthy cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami University Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $303,507 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA234115-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with multidrug-resistant cancers who have limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers that are not resistant to standard therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cancer cells' unique metabolism and drug resistance mechanisms can be harnessed to improve immunotherapy for cancer patients. The approach involves creating prodrugs that are activated by the irregular metabolism of cancer cells, leading to the release of immune-boosting agents. By utilizing the drug efflux mechanisms of these cells, the study aims to enhance the immune response against tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Patients may benefit from a novel treatment strategy that targets the underlying resistance mechanisms in their cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy options for patients with drug-resistant cancers.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of Bystander Assisted Immunotherapy is novel, similar strategies targeting cancer metabolism and drug resistance have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Miami University Oxford
Oxford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mancini, Rock — Miami University Oxford
- Study coordinator: Mancini, Rock
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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.