Using modified bacteria to treat colorectal liver cancer
Official title: Development of Nanofunctionalized Cyborg C-Novyi NT for Image Guided Trans-arterial Bacteriolytic Embolization of Colorectal Liver Metastasis
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11083614 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment for people with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, using a special type of bacteria that can help shrink tumors by breaking down cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $321,095 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279040-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083614 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal liver metastases who are not suitable for surgical resection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with colorectal cancer that has not metastasized to the liver or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving treatment options for patients with colorectal liver metastases, a condition where cancer spreads to the liver. The approach involves using a modified strain of anaerobic bacteria, Clostridium novyi-NT, which can thrive in low-oxygen environments typical of solid tumors. By targeting these tumors, the bacteria can help to break down cancer cells and potentially lead to significant tumor reduction. The research will explore the effectiveness of this bacteriolytic therapy through pre-clinical and clinical trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients with colorectal liver metastases, improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical trials using bacteriolytic therapies have shown promising results, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Dong-Hyun — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kim, Dong-Hyun
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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.