Using engineered bacteria and nanoparticles to improve cancer treatment

Programmable biohybrid system for cancer therapy

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11055379

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 typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11055379 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with tumors that are difficult to treat with conventional therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers that are easily treatable with standard therapies may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-cancer researchanti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.