Using localized cytokines to improve cancer immunotherapy
Official title: Local Administration of Particle-Anchored Cytokines as a Safe and Effective Cancer Immunotherapy
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10987601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to treat cancer by injecting special proteins directly into tumors to help your immune system fight the cancer better, while also reducing side effects, making it a safer option for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $379,981 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA287324-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with specific types of tumors that are poorly responsive to current immunotherapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tumors that are not amenable to localized treatment or those who have contraindications for intratumoral injections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method for cancer treatment by using particle-anchored cytokines that are injected directly into tumors. The goal is to enhance the retention of these immune-boosting proteins within the tumor, which can help stimulate a stronger immune response against cancer cells while minimizing harmful side effects that often occur with systemic treatments. By anchoring cytokines like IL-12 and IL-15 to larger particles, the researchers aim to create a more effective and safer immunotherapy option for patients. Preliminary results suggest that this approach not only improves the local effectiveness of the treatment but also helps in controlling cancer spread to other areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a safer and more effective cancer immunotherapy that reduces side effects and improves patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with localized immunotherapy approaches, suggesting that this method could build on existing successes.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tong, Rong — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Tong, Rong
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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.