Using exosomes to deliver targeted therapy for liver cancer

Exosome-mediated therapy for liver cancer

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11010790

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11010790 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who have limited treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage liver cancer who can undergo surgical resection may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Baltimore, 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 Animal Cancer Model
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.