Genetic changes in appendix cancer that could guide treatment
Establishing the Repertoire of Actionable Alterations in Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma
Researchers are looking for genetic changes in appendix cancer to help more patients get life‑extending surgery or targeted treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240343 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze tumor samples and clinical records from people with appendiceal adenocarcinoma to find genetic changes tied to survival and treatment response. They will build a gene‑based classifier intended to identify patients who might benefit from cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC and validate it using a longitudinal patient cohort. The team will perform targeted exome sequencing to map the mutational landscape of high‑grade tumors and create a knowledge base of actionable alterations. This work aims to expand treatment options and help personalize care for people with this rare cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with appendiceal adenocarcinoma—especially those with high‑grade tumors—who can provide tumor tissue or share clinical treatment records are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without appendix cancer, or those who cannot provide tissue or need immediate standard-of-care treatment, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could allow more appendix cancer patients to access life‑extending surgery (CRS/HIPEC) and be matched to targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Gene‑based classifiers and tumor sequencing have guided treatment in other cancers, but applying these approaches specifically to appendiceal adenocarcinoma is relatively new and not yet widely proven.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Lance David — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Miller, Lance David
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.