Using Photofrin and heme oxygenase inducers to treat mesothelioma
Official title: Photofrin dark effects and heme oxygenase inducers as therapeutic in mesothelioma
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11034841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a drug called Photofrin, which is usually used with light therapy, might help fight malignant pleural mesothelioma on its own, along with another treatment that boosts the immune system, to see if it can improve survival for patients dealing with this tough cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $227,906 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA286282-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma who have limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage mesothelioma or those who do not have a confirmed diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of Photofrin, a drug typically used in photodynamic therapy, and heme oxygenase inducers as potential treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma, a highly aggressive cancer. The study focuses on the 'dark effects' of Photofrin, which can combat tumor growth without the need for light activation. By enhancing the body's immune response and reducing inflammation, the research aims to improve survival rates for patients with this challenging condition. The approach includes both laboratory studies and potential clinical applications to assess the effectiveness of these treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options that significantly improve survival rates for patients with mesothelioma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches using Photofrin and heme oxygenase inducers, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Busch, Theresa M — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Busch, Theresa M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Intraperitoneal CAR T cells for peritoneal mesothelioma
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Liquid multiomics to tailor systemic treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Researchers are testing liquid biomarkers to help choose personalized treatments for people with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
-
New ways to make mesothelioma treatment work better
This project looks at whether common antidepressant drugs plus a drug that blocks Mcl-1 can help chemotherapy work better for people with malignant mesothelioma.
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Targeting mitochondria to help immunotherapy work better for pleural mesothelioma
The team will try medicines that change cancer cell mitochondria to help immunotherapy work better for people with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
-
Tumor-targeted imaging and alpha-particle therapy for mesothelioma
This project develops an antibody-based imaging approach and a targeted alpha-particle therapy to find and kill mesothelioma tumors, including hard-to-treat sarcomatoid cases.
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.