Using light to enhance drug delivery for advanced pancreatic cancer treatment
Official title: Interstitial Chemophototherapy as an Intervention in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11091232 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to treat locally advanced pancreatic cancer using light-activated liposomes to deliver chemotherapy directly to tumors, and it’s designed for patients looking for better treatment options that also help their immune system fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | April 11, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $677,176 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA298877-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091232 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic cancer who have limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach called interstitial chemophototherapy (I-CPT) for treating locally advanced pancreatic cancer. It involves the use of specially designed liposomes that can deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to tumors when activated by light. The treatment is guided by imaging techniques to ensure precise placement of optical fibers into the tumor, allowing for effective drug release and enhanced tumor regression. The study aims to improve the effectiveness of existing therapies by combining this method with immune checkpoint blockade to boost the body's immune response against cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, potentially increasing survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using light-activated drug delivery is innovative, similar strategies in other cancer types have shown promise, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lovell, Jonathan F — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Lovell, Jonathan F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Light-activated drug delivery for locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Using light-activated chemotherapy delivered directly inside pancreatic tumors to help people with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
-
Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.
-
Globally useful predictor for cervical cancer treatment response
This project aims to develop a simple predictive signature to personalize treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer using easy tests and imaging.
-
Targeting aberrant enhancer landscapes in pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing look at a project that aims to understand how pancreatic cancer changes its cell identity and what that means for treatment.
-
Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early, non-invasive detection of pancreatic cancer
A study to develop a blood test that uses tiny RNA signals in exosomes to detect pancreatic cancer early, aiming to help people at risk or with early disease.
-
Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer
A patient-friendly look at a study using tiny blood-based RNA markers inside exosomes to catch pancreatic cancer early without invasive procedures.
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.