Creating a new treatment for colon cancer that targets specific tumor characteristics
Official title: Development of SUV39H1-selective inhibitor for human colon cancer therapy
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11019736 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with colon cancer, especially those whose cancer doesn't respond well to current treatments, by targeting a specific protein to boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $488,240 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278852-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019736 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer, who already respond to current immunotherapy treatments, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a selective inhibitor for SUV39H1, a protein that plays a role in the resistance of colon cancer cells to treatment. The study aims to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy, particularly for patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer, which currently does not respond well to existing therapies. By targeting the SUV39H1 protein, the researchers hope to activate the immune response against tumor cells, making them more susceptible to treatment. Patients may benefit from a new therapeutic option that could improve their chances of successful treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients with colon cancer that is currently resistant to existing immunotherapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting SUV39H1 is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promise in enhancing immunotherapy effectiveness in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Kebin — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Kebin
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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.