Using light therapy after radiation to treat airway blockages caused by tumors
Official title: Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy Following Palliative Radiotherapy for Patients with Inoperable Malignant Central Airway Obstruction
Funded at Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11043332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help patients with tumors that block their airways by using a combination of light therapy and radiation to improve how well the treatment works and possibly help them live longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $675,462 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA283547-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043332 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with inoperable tumors causing malignant central airway obstruction, particularly those with lung cancer or other malignancies that have spread to the airway.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with operable tumors or those who do not have malignant central airway obstruction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach for patients suffering from malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO) caused by tumors. It combines interstitial photodynamic therapy (I-PDT) with palliative radiotherapy (p-XRT) to enhance tumor oxygenation and improve treatment outcomes. The study aims to determine if this combination can lead to better tumor responses and potentially extend survival for patients with inoperable tumors. Patients will receive personalized treatment plans based on advanced imaging techniques to ensure effective targeting of the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life and survival rates for patients with malignant central airway obstruction.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel treatment strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shafirstein, Gal — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Shafirstein, Gal
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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.