Creating new drugs to target specific cancer cells with BRCA mutations
Official title: Development of Best-in-Class Pol-Theta Inhibitors
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11046671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new pill that could help treat certain cancer cells with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations by targeting a specific part of their DNA repair process, aiming to make the treatment more effective while being kinder to healthy cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $682,151 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA283323-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, such as breast, ovarian, prostate, or pancreatic cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with BRCA-proficient cancers or those without BRCA mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative inhibitors that target DNA polymerase theta (Polq), a crucial factor in DNA repair, specifically in cancer cells that have mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These mutations make the cancer cells particularly vulnerable to treatments that induce DNA damage. The researchers aim to create a new oral medication that can effectively kill these BRCA-deficient cancer cells while minimizing effects on healthy cells. By improving the potency and bioavailability of these inhibitors, the study seeks to overcome existing treatment limitations and resistance seen with current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with BRCA-related cancers, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting BRCA-deficient cancers with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel treatment strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pomerantz, Richard T — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Pomerantz, Richard T
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.