Dual ATR and PI3K-targeted therapy for uterine cancer
Official title: Combined ATR and P13k inhibition in uterine cancer
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11323897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try combining two drugs that block ATR and PI3K to better stop uterine cancers, especially tumors with ARID1A changes or other DNA replication stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $587,723 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA269021-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11323897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with uterine cancer—particularly uterine serous, endometrioid, or clear cell tumors that have ARID1A mutations, CCNE1/MYC amplification, or other signs of replication stress or PI3K pathway activation—are the best match.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors lack the relevant genetic changes or replication-stress features, or who cannot tolerate targeted kinase inhibitors, are less likely to benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
If I'm a patient, this project is testing a two-drug approach guided by tumor genetics to see if blocking ATR plus PI3K stops uterine cancer growth more than single drugs. Researchers used large cell-line screens and genome-wide CRISPR tests to find that PI3K blockers can work together with ATR inhibitors, and they have seen promising results with the ATR inhibitor elimusertib plus the PI3K inhibitor copanlisib in cells and mice. The team will study human tumor samples with common uterine cancer alterations (such as ARID1A loss, CCNE1 or MYC amplification) and push the most promising combinations toward clinical testing. Participation would likely involve genetic testing of the tumor and possible enrollment at participating centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new targeted treatment option for uterine cancers that are driven by replication stress and are resistant to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: ATR inhibitors alone have shown limited clinical success except in BRCA/ATM-deficient tumors, and combining ATR and PI3K inhibition is a promising but still mostly preclinical strategy with early supportive data.
Where this research is happening
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Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Konstantinopoulos, Panagiotis — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Konstantinopoulos, Panagiotis
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Modeling to Prevent and Control Uterine Cancer
A national modeling effort uses computer simulations to inform better prevention, screening, and treatment of uterine cancer for women.
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Comparative modeling to guide uterine cancer care
This grant uses computer models to help doctors and patients understand how to make better decisions about uterine cancer care.
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Using DNA damage drugs to help the immune system fight uterine cancer
This project combines drugs that increase tumor DNA damage with immunotherapy to help people with recurrent microsatellite-stable uterine cancer who haven't responded to current treatments.
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WEE1-targeted treatment for uterine serous and p53-mutant uterine cancer
Testing a drug that blocks the WEE1 protein to try to shrink uterine serous cancers and other uterine cancers with p53 mutations.
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Treating uterine (endometrial) cancer by targeting DNA damage and replication stress
This project develops new treatment approaches that exploit DNA repair weaknesses to help women with advanced or recurrent uterine (endometrial) cancer who need additional options.
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Computer models to improve prevention and care for uterine (endometrial) cancer
Researchers are using computer models to compare prevention, screening, and treatment options for women at risk of or living with uterine cancer.
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.