Using light-activated nanoparticles to treat liver cancer
Interstitial Chemophototherapy with Light-Activated Nanoparticulate Doxorubicin
This study is testing a new way to treat hard-to-treat liver cancers by using special nanoparticles that release a chemotherapy drug when activated by laser light, and it's designed for patients with locally advanced liver cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pop Biotechnologies, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10700814 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel treatment for locally advanced liver cancers using interstitial chemophototherapy (I-CPT). The approach involves loading the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin into specialized nanoparticles that can be activated by laser light, allowing for targeted drug release directly at the tumor site. By optimizing this method in a woodchuck model, which closely mimics human liver cancer conditions, the researchers aim to enhance drug accumulation and improve treatment efficacy. If successful, this could lead to a new therapeutic option for patients with difficult-to-treat liver cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with a history of hepatitis B.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage liver cancer or those whose cancer has spread extensively beyond the liver may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with advanced liver cancer, potentially leading to better outcomes and reduced side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using light-activated therapies for cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be a viable option.
Where this research is happening
Buffalo, United States
- Pop Biotechnologies, INC — Buffalo, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shafirstein, Gal — Pop Biotechnologies, INC
- Study coordinator: Shafirstein, Gal
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 below.