Enhancing cancer treatment by targeting DNA repair mechanisms

Improving the therapeutic efficacy of chemoradiation by targeting the DNA damage response

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10899781

This study is looking at ways to make cancer treatment more effective for people with advanced cancers by blocking the body's ability to repair damaged DNA in tumor cells, which could help the treatment work better while protecting healthy cells.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10899781 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the effectiveness of chemoradiation therapy for patients with locally advanced cancers by targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) pathways. The approach aims to prevent the repair of DNA double strand breaks, which are critical for the success of chemoradiation. By inhibiting DDR, the researchers hope to make tumor cells more sensitive to treatment while sparing normal cells. The study also explores the potential of combining DDR inhibitors with immune checkpoint blockade therapy to enhance treatment outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with locally advanced cancers who are undergoing chemoradiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those not receiving chemoradiation therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that improve survival rates for patients with advanced cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing cancer treatment efficacy by targeting DNA damage response pathways, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.
Conditions Cancer BiologyCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.