Using engineered bacteria and nanoparticles to improve cancer treatment
Official title: Programmable biohybrid system for cancer therapy
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11055379 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat cancer by using specially designed bacteria to help deliver medicine more effectively right to the tumor, which could make treatments work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 13, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $172,044 |
| NIH project number | 5K99CA283259-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055379 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with tumors that are difficult to treat with conventional therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers that are easily treatable with standard therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to cancer therapy by utilizing engineered bacteria as delivery vehicles for therapeutics. The project aims to enhance the effectiveness of nanoparticle-based treatments by programming bacteria to interact with the tumor microenvironment, improving the delivery and penetration of these nanoparticles into tumors. The methodology involves reprogramming bacteria to modify the tumor's extracellular matrix and facilitate targeted interactions with nanoparticles, potentially leading to more effective cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted cancer therapies that improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using engineered bacteria for drug delivery in cancer therapy, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hahn, Jaeseung — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Hahn, Jaeseung
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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.