Blocking Wee1 to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Elucidating the critical role of Wee1 in GIST
['FUNDING_R01'] · RESEARCH INST OF FOX CHASE CAN CTR · NIH-11283962
This project sees if adding a drug that blocks Wee1 to existing KIT/PDGFRA-targeting medicines helps people with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), especially when tumors stop responding to current treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RESEARCH INST OF FOX CHASE CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11283962 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and a cell protein called Wee1 that helps tumor cells survive. Researchers use lab tests on tumor cell lines, gene profiling, and loss-of-function experiments to measure how much GIST cells rely on Wee1. They test a Wee1-blocking drug (adavosertib) alone and together with avapritinib in cell and mouse models, including patient-derived tumor grafts that model resistant disease. The goal is to find drug combinations that can overcome resistance to current tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with GIST driven by KIT or PDGFRA mutations, particularly those whose tumors are resistant to approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose GIST is cured by surgery, who lack KIT/PDGFRA mutations, or who cannot receive targeted therapies for medical reasons are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new treatment option that helps patients with TKI-resistant GIST respond to targeted therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal studies, including patient-derived xenograft models, have shown promising synergy between Wee1 inhibitors and KIT/PDGFRA inhibitors, but clinical evidence in people is still limited.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- RESEARCH INST OF FOX CHASE CAN CTR — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RINK, LORI — RESEARCH INST OF FOX CHASE CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: RINK, LORI
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: Cancers