Exploring how a molecule called cGAMP can be used to treat cancer

Investigating the roles of extracellular cGAMP and harnessing it for cancer treatment

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11051785

This study is looking at how a molecule called cGAMP helps your immune system fight cancer, and it aims to find ways to make this process even stronger by blocking an enzyme that stops cGAMP from working, all to improve cancer treatments for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11051785 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a molecule known as 2’3’-cyclic-GMP-AMP (cGAMP) in activating the body's immune response against cancer. The study focuses on how cancer cells release cGAMP, which can stimulate immune cells to attack tumors. Researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind this process and explore ways to enhance its effectiveness by targeting an enzyme called ENPP1 that inhibits cGAMP signaling. By using genetic and chemical methods, the goal is to improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancers who may benefit from enhanced immunotherapy approaches.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those not responding to immunotherapy may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that harness the body's immune system to fight tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using immune system activation for cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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 Advanced Canceranti-canceranti-cancer immunotherapyanti-cancer therapyanticancer immunotherapy
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.