Using light to enhance drug delivery for advanced pancreatic cancer treatment
Interstitial Chemophototherapy as an Intervention in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
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 ID | NIH-11091232 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic cancer who have limited treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Amherst, United States
- 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
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.