Cancer Nanotechnology Platform Partnerships (CNPPs)

The CNPPs engage in directed, product-focused research that aims to translate cutting-edge science and technology into the next generation of diagnostic and therapeutic tools. These platforms serve as the core technologies for a wide array of specific applications that will ultimately benefit cancer patients. The 12 CNPPs that receive funding apply strong interdisciplinary technical and oncology expertise to six key platform categories in nanotechnology:

• Molecular imaging and early detection
• In vivo nanotechnology imaging systems
• Reporters of efficacy
• Multifunctional therapeutics
• Prevention and control
• Research enablers

The awarded programs are listed below:

Detecting Cancer Early with Targeted Nano-probes for Vascular Signatures
University of California
Principal Investigator: Douglas Hanahan, Ph.D.

DNA-linked Dendrimer Nanoparticle Systems for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
University of Michigan
Principal Investigator: James Baker Jr., M.D.

Hybrid Nanoparticles in Imaging and Therapy of Prostate Cancer
University of Missouri
Principal Investigator: Kattesh Katti, Ph.D.

Integrated System for Cancer Biomarker Detection
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Principal Investigator: Scott Manalis, Ph.D.

Metallofullerene Nanoplatform for Imaging and Treating Infiltrative Tumor
Virginia Commonwealth University
Principal Investigator: Panos Fatouros, Ph.D.

Multifunctional Nanoparticles in Diagnosis and Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer
State University of New York
Principal Investigator: Paras Prasad, Ph.D.

Nanotechnology Platform for Pediatric Brain Cancer Imaging and Therapy
University of Washington
Principal Investigator: Miqin Zhang, Ph.D.

Nanotechnology Platform for Targeting Solid Tumors
The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center
Principal Investigator: Jan Schnitzer, M.D.

Nanotherapeutic Strategy for Multidrug Resistant Tumors
Northeastern University
Principal Investigator: Mansoor Amiji, Ph.D.

Near-Infrared Fluorescence Nanoparticles for Targeted Optical Imaging
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Principal Investigator: Chun Li, Ph.D.

Novel Cancer Nanotechnology Platforms for Photodynamic Therapy and Imaging
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Principal Investigator: Ravindra K. Pandey, Ph.D.

Photodestruction of Ovarian Cancer: ErbB3 Targeted Aptamer-Nanoparticle Conjugate
Massachusetts General Hospital
Principal Investigator: Tayyaba Hasan, Ph.D.