Using exosomes to deliver targeted therapy for liver cancer
Official title: Exosome-mediated therapy for liver cancer
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11010790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to treat liver cancer by using tiny particles called exosomes to deliver special medicine directly to the cancer cells, and it's designed for people with hepatocellular carcinoma who are looking for better treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 12, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $65,311 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA280232-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who have limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage liver cancer who can undergo surgical resection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer. It aims to create a dual modality platform that uses exosomes to deliver alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals directly to cancer cells, enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment. The study will evaluate how well these radiolabeled exosomes can target and visualize tumors in laboratory models, and then test their safety and efficacy in mouse models of liver cancer. This innovative method seeks to improve the precision of cancer therapy and potentially overcome resistance to existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and targeted treatment option for patients with liver cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using exosome-mediated delivery systems in cancer therapy, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kraitchman, Dara L — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Kraitchman, Dara L
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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.