Using immune therapy to treat cancer spread in the abdomen
Official title: TLR Agonist Nano-Immune Therapy for Peritoneal Metastases
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-10979697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with ovarian and colorectal cancers that have spread to the abdomen by using tiny particles to boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer directly where it is.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $483,556 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA293942-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with ovarian or colorectal cancer who have peritoneal metastases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without peritoneal metastases or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating peritoneal metastases, which occur when cancer spreads to the abdominal cavity. It focuses on delivering Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist-modified nanoparticles directly into the peritoneal cavity, aiming to enhance the immune response against ovarian and colorectal cancers. The study will explore how these nanoparticles interact with immune cells and target tumor sites more effectively than traditional methods. By understanding the mechanisms of this delivery method, the research hopes to improve treatment outcomes for patients with these challenging cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with peritoneal metastases from ovarian and colorectal cancers.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, previous studies have shown promise in using localized immune therapies for cancer treatment, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Serda, Rita Elena — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Serda, Rita Elena
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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TLR-based Nano-therapy delivered into the abdomen to fight peritoneal metastases
A new nano-therapy given directly into the abdomen uses TLR-agonist–modified particles to target and kill cancer cells in people with peritoneal metastases, especially from ovarian cancer.
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Nanoparticle immune therapy for cancer spread in the abdomen
A tiny-particle immune treatment delivered into the abdomen to target ovarian and colorectal cancers that have spread to the peritoneal lining.
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TROP2‑targeted CAR‑NK cells given into the abdomen and vein for colorectal cancer spread to the peritoneum
We will test whether giving TROP2‑directed CAR‑NK cells both into the abdominal cavity and into a vein, together with cetuximab, is safe and what dose is best for adults with colorectal cancer that has spread to the peritoneum.
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Mass-based drug screening to guide personalized HIPEC for high-grade appendiceal and colorectal cancer with peritoneal spread.
This tests whether a lab-based mass response test on tumor biopsies can pick the best chemotherapy to use during repeated HIPEC for people with unresectable peritoneal metastases from high-grade appendiceal or colorectal cancer.
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Direct injection of a modified vaccinia virus (vvDD-hIL2) into abdominal and gastrointestinal tumors
This trial will try a single direct injection of a modified vaccinia virus (vvDD-hIL2) into abdominal tumors to see if it is safe for adults with advanced metastatic gastrointestinal or peritoneal cancers who have not responded to standard treatments.
-
Monitoring blood markers to predict colorectal cancer recurrence after surgery
This study is testing if blood markers can help predict if colorectal cancer will come back after surgery in patients who have had their cancer completely removed.
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.