Harnessing treatment-induced tumor evolution in rectal cancer using a patient-centered co-clinical platform
Official title: Harnessing treatment-induced tumor evolution and collateral sensitivities using a human rectal cancer co-clinical platform
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11377547 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Duke-led program tests how rectal cancers change during treatment to uncover new ways to improve outcomes for patients who might avoid surgery or have better responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $240,760 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA263300-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377547 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with locally advanced rectal cancer who are undergoing standard CRT and planned for surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not exhibit evolution patterns or for whom collateral sensitivities cannot be identified.
What this research studies
This project focuses on locally advanced rectal cancer and how tumors adapt to standard chemoradiation. By studying tumor subpopulations and their genetic and epigenetic features, researchers aim to map how treatment shapes cancer evolution. The study uses a co-clinical platform to link patient tumors with model systems to identify collateral sensitivities—therapies that cancer becomes more vulnerable to after initial treatment. The goal is to inform personalized strategies that maximize tumor control while reducing the need for extensive surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have more effective, tailored treatments and potentially fewer or less invasive surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in other cancers has shown treatment-induced collateral sensitivities, suggesting this approach could translate to rectal cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eyler, Christine Elissa — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Eyler, Christine Elissa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular Characterization of Radiation Effects in Rectal Cancer
A patient-facing platform study aims to link tissue changes, imaging, and the immune system during radiotherapy for rectal cancer to improve future treatments.
-
Immune System and Radiation in Rectal Cancer
This grant supports a small international study to understand how radiation therapy interacts with the immune system in rectal cancer by collecting tumor, blood, stool, and lymph node samples from patients before and after treatment.
-
Targeting tryptophan metabolism to improve rectal cancer treatment
This NIH grant is exploring a new way to help people with locally advanced rectal cancer by combining radiation with a drug that blocks a pathway our immune system uses to protect tumors.
-
Time-restricted eating during rectal cancer treatment to reduce toxicity and improve outcomes
A clinical trial tests whether eating only within a set time window during cancer treatment can reduce side effects and help treatments work better for rectal cancer patients.
-
Enhancing Rectal Cancer Immunotherapy with Radiation-Induced Senescence and PTPN2 Inhibition
This grant explores a combo approach using radiation and a targeted inhibitor to boost the body's immune attack on rectal cancer, aiming to preserve the organ and reduce long-term side effects.
-
Early response to radiotherapy and immunotherapy in rectal cancer
A new approach combines short-course radiation, chemotherapy, and an immune therapy antibody to try to shrink rectal cancers before surgery or avoid surgery altogether.
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.