Using carbon monoxide biofoams to enhance cancer treatment for rectal cancer while protecting healthy tissue
Official title: Exploiting Carbon Monoxide Biofoams to Radio-Sensitize Rectal Cancer Cells While Protecting Normal Bowel
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11088838 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to make radiation therapy work better for people with rectal cancer by using a special foam that delivers carbon monoxide, which may help target cancer cells more effectively while protecting healthy tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | June 9, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $251,820 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA276908-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088838 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rectal cancer who are undergoing or are candidates for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced rectal cancer who are not eligible for chemoradiotherapy or those with other significant health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of carbon monoxide biofoams as a novel approach to improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy in treating rectal cancer. By delivering carbon monoxide in a controlled manner, the study aims to sensitize cancer cells to radiation while minimizing damage to normal bowel tissue. The research focuses on understanding the biochemical mechanisms that allow carbon monoxide to selectively target cancer cells, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life for patients. The study employs innovative methods for delivering carbon monoxide through the gastrointestinal tract, addressing previous challenges associated with its use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for rectal cancer, reducing the need for surgical interventions and improving patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of carbon monoxide in cancer treatment is a novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar applications, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Byrne, James Donald — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Byrne, James Donald
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Molecular Characterization of Radiation Effects in Rectal Cancer
A patient-facing platform study aims to link tissue changes, imaging, and the immune system during radiotherapy for rectal cancer to improve future treatments.
-
Immune System and Radiation in Rectal Cancer
This grant supports a small international study to understand how radiation therapy interacts with the immune system in rectal cancer by collecting tumor, blood, stool, and lymph node samples from patients before and after treatment.
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Targeting tryptophan metabolism to improve rectal cancer treatment
This NIH grant is exploring a new way to help people with locally advanced rectal cancer by combining radiation with a drug that blocks a pathway our immune system uses to protect tumors.
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Time-restricted eating during rectal cancer treatment to reduce toxicity and improve outcomes
A clinical trial tests whether eating only within a set time window during cancer treatment can reduce side effects and help treatments work better for rectal cancer patients.
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Enhancing Rectal Cancer Immunotherapy with Radiation-Induced Senescence and PTPN2 Inhibition
This grant explores a combo approach using radiation and a targeted inhibitor to boost the body's immune attack on rectal cancer, aiming to preserve the organ and reduce long-term side effects.
-
Early response to radiotherapy and immunotherapy in rectal cancer
A new approach combines short-course radiation, chemotherapy, and an immune therapy antibody to try to shrink rectal cancers before surgery or avoid surgery altogether.
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.