Combining therapies to treat bile duct cancer

Mechanism-based combination therapy for cholangiocarcinoma

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10821442

This study is exploring new ways to treat cholangiocarcinoma, a tough bile duct cancer, by testing different combinations of drugs to see if they can work better than standard chemotherapy and help patients get longer-lasting results.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10821442 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates new treatment combinations for cholangiocarcinoma, an aggressive bile duct cancer that often leads to poor outcomes. The team is developing patient-derived models to test how different drug combinations can overcome resistance to standard chemotherapy. By focusing on the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance, they aim to identify effective regimens that can provide longer-lasting responses in patients. The approach includes using inhibitors alongside traditional chemotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced cholangiocarcinoma who have not responded well to standard chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cholangiocarcinoma or those who have not yet undergone chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options that improve survival rates for patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using combination therapies to overcome drug resistance in various cancers, suggesting potential success for this approach in cholangiocarcinoma.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.