Developing new treatments for K-RAS mutations in cancer

A Fragment-Based Strategy for K-RAS Covalent Inhibitors

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · NIH-11140719

This study is looking for new ways to block a gene called K-RAS that often causes cancers like pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer, and it's for patients with specific mutations in that gene to help find better treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11140719 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on finding new ways to inhibit K-RAS, a common oncogene mutated in various cancers, including pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers. The team is exploring how to create covalent inhibitors that can effectively bind to K-RAS proteins, particularly those with specific mutations. By using advanced techniques like high-resolution structural analysis and biochemical assays, they aim to identify novel binding sites that could lead to effective treatments for patients with these mutations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, or lung adenocarcinomas who have specific K-RAS mutations.

Not a fit: Patients without K-RAS mutations or those with mutations that do not involve the targeted binding sites may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for patients with cancers driven by K-RAS mutations, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: This approach builds on recent breakthroughs in targeting K-RAS mutations, indicating a promising direction in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

CHAMPAIGN, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancer Genes, Cancer cell line

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.