Developing new RET-targeted medicines for cancer
Discovery of the next-generation RET-targeted drugs based on nicotinamide scaffold
This project aims to create advanced medicines for human cancers driven by the RET gene, especially for patients whose cancer no longer responds to current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164685 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many cancers with changes in the RET gene respond well to existing targeted therapies like selpercatinib and pralsetinib. However, some patients develop new RET gene changes that make their cancer resistant to these medicines. Our team is working to find and develop a new class of RET-targeted drugs that can overcome this resistance. We are focusing on a specific type of drug that has shown promise in early tests, with the goal of creating a more effective treatment option for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future clinical applications of this research would be patients with RET-altered cancers, especially those whose disease has developed resistance to existing RET inhibitors.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not driven by RET gene alterations would not directly benefit from this specific targeted therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more effective treatment options for patients with RET-altered cancers, particularly those who have become resistant to current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Existing RET-targeted drugs have shown significant success, but this project aims to address the challenge of acquired resistance, building upon and advancing current therapeutic approaches.
Where this research is happening
Oklahoma City, United States
- University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr — Oklahoma City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Jie — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wu, Jie
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 below.