Using Salmonella to deliver cancer-fighting viruses to liver tumors
Official title: Salmonella as a vector for delivery of oncolytic viruses to hepatocellular carcinoma
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-10951680 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to use Salmonella bacteria to help deliver special viruses that can attack and kill liver cancer cells, aiming to make treatment more effective for patients with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $402,147 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA293765-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951680 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with tumors that are difficult to treat with conventional therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage liver cancer or those whose tumors are accessible for traditional treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a method using Salmonella bacteria to deliver oncolytic viruses directly to liver cancer cells. Oncolytic viruses are designed to selectively infect and kill cancer cells while stimulating the immune system. By using Salmonella as a delivery vehicle, the researchers hope to improve the effectiveness of these viruses in treating internal tumors, which often struggle with drug delivery. The approach involves modifying the Salmonella to carry the virus and ensuring it can effectively target and colonize the tumor environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for liver cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using viral therapies for cancer treatment, but this specific approach using Salmonella as a vector is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forbes, Neil S. — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Forbes, Neil S.
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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.