Blocking IL-33 to Prevent Cancer from Long-Term Inflammation
Interleukin 33 Regulation for Cancer Prevention in Chronic Inflammation
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11303422
This project tests blocking a molecule called IL-33 to stop long-term inflammation from turning into cancer in people with chronic inflammatory conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11303422 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many long-term inflammatory diseases—like chronic dermatitis, colitis, pancreatitis, and hepatitis—raise the risk of developing cancer. Researchers are studying a protein called IL-33 that appears to trigger the switch from short-lived inflammation to persistent, cancer-promoting inflammation. They will examine how cells begin making IL-33 after injury and try approaches to block its expression using lab models, tissue studies, and molecular tools. The aim is to develop new ways to prevent inflammation-driven cancers before they start.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with long-standing inflammatory conditions of the skin, colon, pancreas, or liver who are at higher risk for inflammation-related cancers and who may be willing to provide tissue samples or join future prevention trials.
Not a fit: People without chronic inflammatory conditions, or those whose cancers are caused by unrelated mechanisms, are less likely to benefit from IL-33–focused prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that lower cancer risk for people with chronic inflammatory diseases by blocking IL-33.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal and tissue studies have linked IL-33 to chronic inflammation and cancer in organs like the skin, colon, and pancreas, but therapies targeting IL-33 in humans are still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DEMEHRI, SHADMEHR — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: DEMEHRI, SHADMEHR
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 below.
Conditions: Cancer Cause, Cancer Etiology, Cancer Treatment, Cancers