Using engineered extracellular vesicles to improve cancer therapy
Official title: Designer extracellular vesicles for cancer therapy
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10989158 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help treat solid tumors like melanoma by using tiny particles from immune cells to deliver cancer-fighting treatments directly to the tumors, aiming to make the therapy more effective and with fewer side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $662,946 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA284182-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989158 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma or other solid tumors that express the Death Receptor 5 (DR5).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not express DR5 or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing specialized extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from immune cells to enhance cancer treatment, particularly for solid tumors like melanoma. The approach aims to address challenges faced by current CAR-T cell therapies, such as limited effectiveness and severe side effects. By optimizing these designer EVs to deliver targeted therapies directly to cancer cells, the research seeks to improve tumor infiltration and reduce toxicity. Patients may benefit from a novel, less invasive treatment option that harnesses the body's immune response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective cancer treatment option for patients with solid tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered extracellular vesicles for cancer therapy, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Xiaowei — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Xu, Xiaowei
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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.