Boosting cancer treatment effects using ATM targeting
Official title: Targeting ATM to boost systemic effects of radiotherapy and immunotherapy
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11026438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how focusing on a protein called ATM can make cancer treatments like radiation and immunotherapy work better by boosting the immune system's ability to fight tumors, which could lead to improved results for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | March 9, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $526,563 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA251439-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11026438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with tumors that have a high mutational burden or inflammatory characteristics, who are currently undergoing or considering immunotherapy or radiotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tumors that do not exhibit high mutational burden or inflammatory phenotypes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how targeting a specific protein called ATM can enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in cancer treatment. By manipulating the tumor environment, the goal is to increase the presence of immune cells that fight cancer, making the tumors more responsive to therapies. The study will explore the mechanisms behind this approach and test its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment strategy that combines these therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatment options that are more effective for a larger number of patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing cancer treatment through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jennifer Yunyan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jennifer Yunyan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Role of Twice-Daily Thoracic Radiotherapy in Limited-Stage SCLC in the Immunotherapy Era
This project looks at whether giving twice-daily radiotherapy for limited-stage small cell lung cancer still helps patients today who are also getting immunotherapy.
-
Early response to radiotherapy and immunotherapy in rectal cancer
A new approach combines short-course radiation, chemotherapy, and an immune therapy antibody to try to shrink rectal cancers before surgery or avoid surgery altogether.
-
Improving early treatment response in rectal cancer with radiation plus immune therapy
People with locally advanced rectal cancer will get short-course radiation and chemotherapy, and some will also receive the immune-activating drug sotigalimab to help the tumor shrink and lower the chance it spreads.
-
Investigating new treatment combinations for rectal cancer using radiation and immunotherapy
This study is looking for ways to help people with locally advanced rectal cancer by testing a new treatment that combines radiation, chemotherapy, and an innovative immune-boosting drug called αCD40, with the hope of improving outcomes and possibly avoiding surgery.
-
Using nanoscale frameworks to enhance cancer treatment and immunotherapy for head and neck cancers
This study is exploring a new way to help people with head and neck cancers by using tiny materials that can boost radiation therapy and help the immune system fight the cancer better, aiming to improve treatment results and survival rates for patients.
-
Boosting immune response to fight cancer
This study is exploring a new way to help your immune system better fight cancer by tweaking certain cells in your body, and it aims to improve treatment for people with advanced cancer.
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.