Boosting immune response against metastatic colon cancer
Official title: Metabolic reprogramming to boost the fitness of anti-tumor immunity against metastatic colon cancer
Funded at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · NIH-11142217 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make cancer treatments work better for people with metastatic colorectal cancer by boosting the energy and effectiveness of certain immune cells, so they can fight the cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $640,583 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA292807-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142217 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, particularly those with the microsatellite stable subtype.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer or those with other cancer types may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve immunotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer by enhancing the metabolic fitness of immune cells, specifically CD8+ T cells. The approach focuses on activating a specific metabolic pathway that could increase the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments. By understanding how cancer cells and immune cells compete for resources, the researchers hope to find ways to make the immune response stronger against tumors. This innovative strategy addresses the challenges faced by patients with a subtype of colorectal cancer that typically does not respond well to current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in enhancing immune responses through metabolic reprogramming, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Cold Spring Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beyaz, Semir — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Beyaz, Semir
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Colon Cancer Family Registry Cohort study for smarter prevention and care
A large international group is following thousands of people with colorectal cancer and their relatives to better understand risk, causes, and outcomes so future patients can get better guidance and treatment.
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Bioengineered Networking Microbes for Targeted Colon Cancer Therapy
A project tests a engineered bacteria-based therapy designed to target colon tumors and boost the body’s immune response in people with colon cancer.
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How DNA methylation patterns are kept in colon cancer and what happens when they’re disrupted
Researchers are studying how the molecular marks that control gene activity are maintained in colon cancer and how breaking these marks affects cancer growth and treatment response.
-
Adaptive aerobic exercise plans during chemotherapy for colon cancer
This study tests personalized aerobic exercise during chemotherapy for people with colon cancer to help them stay on their planned treatment schedule and reduce side effects.
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Immune regulation in colon cancer and its spread to lymph nodes and liver
A patient-friendly look at how immune system circuits in colorectal cancer and its metastases may influence treatment responses and outcomes.
-
Biomarker discovery in colon cancer with advanced metabolomics
A new project will use advanced chemical analysis to find blood- and tissue-based markers that indicate colon cancer and its progression.
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.