Using light to activate a new chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
Official title: Light-directed therapy of squamous cell head and neck cancer with a novel dual-acting chemotherapeutic.
Funded at Light Switch Bio, LLC · NIH-11237456 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of chemotherapy called IR-Platin that uses special light to target and treat head and neck cancer, aiming to make the treatment more effective and less harsh on your body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Light Switch Bio, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 3, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $55,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R41CA281440-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11237456 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are in need of chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those who are not eligible for chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel chemotherapy called IR-Platin, which is activated by near-infrared light to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The approach aims to deliver cisplatin locally to tumors, minimizing the severe side effects associated with systemic chemotherapy. By combining this treatment with light activation, the researchers hope to improve the effectiveness of the therapy while reducing toxicities that often limit treatment options for patients with advanced disease. This innovative method could potentially enhance the outcomes for patients suffering from this challenging cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using light-activated chemotherapy is innovative, similar strategies in photodynamic therapy have shown promise in other cancer treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
Light Switch Bio, LLC
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hartman, Matthew C — Light Switch Bio, LLC
- Study coordinator: Hartman, Matthew C
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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.