How a cancer treatment affects the growth of telomeres
Official title: Investigating how chemotherapeutic thiopurines inhibit telomerase elongation of telomeres
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11089599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific chemotherapy drug called 6-thio-2'-deoxyguanosine affects an important enzyme that helps cancer cells grow, with the goal of finding better ways to treat cancer while reducing side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $80,224 |
| NIH project number | 5F32CA275287-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults undergoing treatment for leukemia or other cancers that utilize thiopurines.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving thiopurine-based therapies or those with cancers not responsive to this class of drugs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of thiopurines, a class of chemotherapy drugs, on telomerase, an enzyme crucial for cancer cell growth. The study focuses on understanding how a specific thiopurine, 6-thio-2'-deoxyguanosine, interacts with telomerase and inhibits its ability to elongate telomeres, which are protective caps on chromosomes. By conducting biochemical experiments, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind telomere shortening and dysfunction caused by this drug, potentially leading to improved cancer therapies. Patients may benefit from insights gained about reducing the toxicity of thiopurines while effectively targeting cancer cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective cancer treatments by minimizing the side effects of thiopurines.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting telomerase for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanford, Samantha — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Sanford, Samantha
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.