Using gold nanoparticles to improve radiation treatment for pancreatic cancer
Official title: In situ cancer cell specific biomineralization to overcome nanoparticle delivery barriers and sensitize pancreatic cancer to radiotherapy
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10875284 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to make radiation therapy work better for people with pancreatic cancer by using tiny gold particles that can be delivered right to the cancer cells, helping to target the tumor more effectively while protecting healthy tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 2, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $567,432 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA274415-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875284 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are undergoing radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not candidates for radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer by using gold nanoparticles that can be delivered directly to cancer cells. The approach aims to overcome the challenges posed by the dense tissue surrounding tumors, which typically hinders the delivery of treatment. By utilizing a process called in situ biomineralization, the researchers plan to enable cancer cells to incorporate these nanoparticles, thereby increasing the radiation dose specifically at the tumor site while sparing healthy tissue. This innovative method seeks to improve patient outcomes by making radiation therapy more effective against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nanoparticles for cancer treatment, but this specific approach of in situ biomineralization in pancreatic cancer is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sokolov, Konstantin V — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Sokolov, Konstantin V
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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.