Using nanoscale frameworks to enhance cancer treatment and immunotherapy for head and neck cancers
Official title: Nanoscale Metal-Organic Frameworks Enable Radiotherapy-Radiodynamic Therapy and Deliver CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides to Generate Tumor Vaccines and Potentiate Immunotherapy of Head and Neck Cancers
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10885971 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with head and neck cancers by using tiny materials that can boost radiation therapy and help the immune system fight the cancer better, aiming to improve treatment results and survival rates for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $479,142 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA253655-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885971 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have not responded adequately to current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage head and neck cancers or those who have not been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to improve treatment outcomes for patients with head and neck cancers by using nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (nMOFs). These frameworks are designed to enhance the effects of radiotherapy and deliver specific molecules that stimulate the immune system. By altering the tumor microenvironment, the goal is to increase the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies, particularly those targeting the PD-1 pathway. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment that could lead to better tumor responses and overall survival.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that improve survival rates for patients with head and neck cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using similar approaches to enhance immunotherapy, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Wenbin — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Lin, Wenbin
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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.