Finding and targeting weaknesses in cancer cells
Official title: Identifying and targeting collateral lethal vulnerabilities in cancers
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11066537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how missing pieces of genes in cancer cells can make them weak in certain ways, which could help doctors find new treatments that specifically target and kill cancer cells without harming healthy ones, making it better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $967,038 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA275886-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with specific types of cancers that exhibit collateral lethal vulnerabilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not have identifiable collateral lethal vulnerabilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain genetic deletions in cancer cells can create specific vulnerabilities that can be targeted for treatment. By analyzing a large database of cancer cell lines, the researchers aim to identify pairs of genes where the loss of one makes the other essential for cancer cell survival. This approach could lead to new therapies that selectively kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients. The methodology involves advanced genetic analysis and computational modeling to pinpoint these vulnerabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted cancer therapies that minimize harm to healthy cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting collateral lethal vulnerabilities in cancer, indicating that this approach has potential for further advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Depinho, Ronald Anthony — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Depinho, Ronald Anthony
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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.