Using nanoscale polymers to improve treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer
Official title: Nanoscale Coordination Polymers of Cyclic-di-nucleotides and Peptide Antigens for Effective Therapy of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11086798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new tiny materials that can help make cancer treatments work better for people with metastatic colorectal cancer, especially those whose tumors don’t respond well to current therapies, by creating personalized vaccines that boost the immune system to fight the cancer more effectively.
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 | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $443,412 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276307-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, particularly those with tumors that are classified as immunologically 'cold'.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer or those whose tumors are already responding well to existing therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative nanoscale coordination polymers (NCPs) that can enhance the effectiveness of therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer, particularly for patients whose tumors are less responsive to current treatments. By identifying unique neoantigens in individual tumors, the study aims to create personalized cancer vaccines that can stimulate the immune system to target cancer cells more effectively. The NCPs are designed to accumulate in tumor tissues, improving the delivery of these therapeutic agents. The overall goal is to establish a new treatment approach that could significantly improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, potentially increasing response rates and improving survival.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with similar approaches using personalized neoantigen-based therapies, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weichselbaum, Ralph R — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Weichselbaum, Ralph R
Related research
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Targeted nanoparticles combining chemotherapy and immune stimulation for advanced colon cancer
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Symptoms and quality of life in adults living with metastatic colorectal cancer
Researchers will follow adults with metastatic colorectal cancer over time to learn what symptoms and quality-of-life issues they experience during treatment and survivorship.
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.