Finding ways to improve cancer treatment by reducing tumor oxygen needs
Overcoming hypoxic resistance to anti-cancer therapy
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in tumors can make cancer treatments like radiation and immunotherapy work less well, and it's testing a safe, approved drug called papaverine to see if it can help make those treatments more effective by lowering the tumors' need for oxygen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10988289 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how tumor hypoxia, or low oxygen levels in tumors, makes cancer treatments like radiotherapy and immunotherapy less effective. The team is exploring a novel approach that focuses on reducing the oxygen demand of tumors instead of trying to increase oxygen supply. They are testing an FDA-approved drug called papaverine, which can inhibit mitochondrial function, potentially making tumors more sensitive to treatment. By understanding and manipulating the oxygen dynamics within tumors, the goal is to enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with tumors that exhibit hypoxia and are undergoing anti-cancer therapies like radiotherapy or immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with tumors that are not hypoxic or those who are not receiving anti-cancer therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved outcomes for cancer patients by making their treatments more effective.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Denko, Nicholas C. — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Denko, Nicholas C.
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 below.