# NANOPHOTOSENSITIZERS FOR REGENERATIVE PHOTOTHERAPY

> **NIH NIH R01** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2022 · $734,204

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
 The excitement about nanomedicine stems from the potential application of nanoscience to solve challenging
medical problems. Coupled with the fenestrated bone marrow environment (BME) and the highly specific metal-
binding matrix of the bone, cancer-killing nanoparticles (NPs) are uniquely suited to overcome current
impediments to achieving durable therapy for bone lesions. A variety of NPs used to deliver drugs to the BME
and has successfully demonstrated efficacy. However, nanoparticles are also effective as therapeutic agents,
yet this feature is underutilized in the treatment of bone lesions.
 Recently, we developed radionuclide stimulated therapy that leverages the interaction of Cerenkov radiation
emitting radionuclides to stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species from photosensitizers. The
combination of these drugs will allow the treatment of diverse diseases without the limitation of tissue depth that
affects light-based therapies. In this proposal, we will apply this concept to disrupt the protective interaction of
cancer cells with stromal cells. The inactivation of both cell types will enhance treatment response.
 Accordingly, we will utilize 1. inorganic nanoparticles to inactive the protective stromal cells, and 2.
nanoliposomes to deliver high payloads to the BME. The studies will be conducted with in vivo and in vitro models
of cancer. Imaging will be used to monitor treatment response.
 At the completion of this study, we would develop new nanoplatforms for the treatment and imaging of cancer
and bone lesions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10596383
- **Project number:** 7R01CA260855-06
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Samuel Achilefu
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $734,204
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2021-08-04 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10596383

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10596383, NANOPHOTOSENSITIZERS FOR REGENERATIVE PHOTOTHERAPY (7R01CA260855-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10596383. Licensed CC0.

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