Using light-activated nanoparticles to treat liver cancer
Official title: Interstitial Chemophototherapy with Light-Activated Nanoparticulate Doxorubicin
Funded at Pop Biotechnologies, INC · NIH-10700814 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 6, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $998,596 |
| NIH project number | 6R42CA243954-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10700814 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with a history of hepatitis B.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage liver cancer or those whose cancer has spread extensively beyond the liver may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Pop Biotechnologies, INC
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shafirstein, Gal — Pop Biotechnologies, INC
- Study coordinator: Shafirstein, Gal
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Multivalent tau and Aβ vaccine on SNAP liposomes for Alzheimer’s disease
A new vaccine approach aims to train the immune system to target multiple Alzheimer’s disease proteins at once, potentially slowing or preventing progression in people at risk.
-
A targeted immune therapy against artery disease using a liposome-linked ApoB fragment
A first-in-class approach aims to train the immune system to fight atherosclerosis by using a tiny ApoB fragment displayed on a liposome to elicit a protective immune response.
-
Advanced mosaic influenza vaccine platform to protect people faster and with fewer doses
A new vaccine approach uses a nanoparticle platform to deliver multiple flu antigens together, aiming to provide strong protection with smaller doses and quicker deployment.
-
Vaccine that targets several amyloid (Aβ) and tau pieces for Alzheimer's
This project is making a vaccine that trains the immune system to target both amyloid and tau proteins to help people at risk for or living with Alzheimer's disease.
-
Peptide vaccine to prevent serious Candida bloodstream infections, including drug‑resistant C. auris
This project develops a liposome-based peptide vaccine intended to help protect hospitalized and immunocompromised people from life-threatening Candida bloodstream infections, including drug‑resistant C. auris.
-
Testing a new influenza vaccine that uses less antigen and can be deployed quickly.
This study is testing a new type of flu vaccine that uses tiny particles to boost your immune response, so you can get better protection against different flu strains with smaller doses, making it easier to use during outbreaks.
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.