NIH-funded research R21 grant

Finding new ways to enhance radiation treatment for cervical cancer

Official title: Identifying Novel Radiation Sensitizers in Cervical Cancer

Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10749921 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking for better ways to treat cervical cancer by finding new medicines that can make radiation therapy work even better, using a gentle swab to collect tissue samples from patients before, during, and after their treatment, so they can discover important changes in the tumors and create more personalized treatment plans just for them.

More Cervical Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startDecember 7, 2022
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$179,870
NIH project number5R21CA277332-02
Project IDNIH-10749921 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with cervical cancer who are undergoing chemoradiation treatment.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage cervical cancer who are not receiving chemoradiation may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving treatment outcomes for cervical cancer patients by identifying new radiation sensitizers. It utilizes a non-invasive swab-based biopsy method to collect tissue samples before, during, and after chemoradiation, minimizing discomfort and risks associated with traditional biopsies. The study aims to analyze genetic changes in tumors during treatment to discover mutations that could be targeted with new therapies. By validating these findings in a larger patient population, the research seeks to develop personalized treatment options for cervical cancer patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for cervical cancer, potentially reducing relapse rates and improving survival outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using genetic profiling to enhance cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Colbert, Lauren Elizabeth — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Colbert, Lauren Elizabeth

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.