NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

CHD1Li-enhanced Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer

Official title: CHD1Li Targeted Combinations with Chemotherapy to Address Unmet Needs in Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Funded at Onconaut Therapeutics INC. · NIH-11457447 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new treatment approach combines standard chemotherapy with CHD1L inhibitors to help people with colorectal cancer respond better to therapy.

More Colorectal Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOnconaut Therapeutics INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$760,110
NIH project number4R42CA306378-02
Project IDNIH-11457447 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with advanced/metastatic colorectal cancer who are candidates for FOLFIRI-based therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients whose tumors do not rely on CHD1L pathways or who cannot tolerate combination therapy may not benefit.

What this research studies

This grant explores using CHD1Li together with the standard FOLFIRI regimen (folinic acid, 5-FU, irinotecan) and bevacizumab to potentially reduce tumor growth and improve responses in advanced colorectal cancer. The approach targets CHD1L, a chromatin-remodeling protein linked to cancer progression and resistance, to make cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and other targeted drugs. The project involves preclinical studies that may include cell models and animal systems to understand how CHD1L inhibition changes tumor behavior and treatment sensitivity. If successful, these findings could inform future clinical testing and help tailor combination therapies for patients with difficult-to-treat tumors.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve response rates and survival for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Existing research suggests combining chemotherapy with targeted chromatin-modifying strategies can enhance efficacy in some cancers, but clinical data in colorectal cancer are still emerging.

Where this research is happening

  • Onconaut Therapeutics INC.
    Aurora, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Labarbera, Daniel V. — Onconaut Therapeutics INC.
  • Study coordinator: Labarbera, Daniel V.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.