Using engineered bacteria to improve cancer treatment with radiation therapy
Official title: An engineered bacterial reporter gene fusion for radiotheranostics
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10989026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to treat advanced solid tumors using specially designed bacteria that can deliver targeted radiation directly to the tumors, which could help improve treatment results while protecting healthy tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $434,903 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA287211-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced solid tumors who have not responded well to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage tumors or those who do not have solid tumors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new approach to treat advanced solid tumors by using engineered bacteria that can deliver radioactive substances directly to the tumors. The bacteria are designed to act as carriers for radionuclides, which are radioactive isotopes used in cancer therapy. By concentrating these radionuclides in the tumor, the treatment aims to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Patients receiving this innovative therapy may have a better chance of tumor control compared to traditional methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with advanced solid tumors, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of radiotheranostics is established, this specific approach using engineered bacteria is novel and has not been widely tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheal, Sarah Marie — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Cheal, Sarah Marie
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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.