Blocking the MYC cancer protein in colorectal (colon) cancer
Project 2: Targeting MYC in Colorectal Cancer
A new oral medicine aims to block a partner of the MYC protein to slow or stop colorectal cancers that depend on MYC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196628 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing an oral drug that blocks WDR5, a partner protein MYC uses to boost cancer growth. In lab and animal tests the 'WIN' site inhibitor reduced tumor growth, and researchers have identified genetic factors that affect response and promising drug combinations. The team has advanced a clinical candidate toward IND-enabling studies and plans first-in-human (phase I) testing. If your colorectal cancer is driven by MYC or Wnt/β-catenin activity, this work could lead to an early-phase treatment option at specialized centers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with colorectal cancer whose tumors show high MYC activity or Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation and who are eligible for early-phase clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors are not MYC-driven or who are ineligible for early-phase trials are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could provide a new, targeted oral therapy for patients with MYC-driven colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies showed promising activity of WIN site inhibitors in blood cancers and colorectal cancer models, and a clinical candidate is entering first-in-human testing.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tansey, William Patrick — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tansey, William Patrick
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.