How chemotherapy affects high-DNA (high-ploidy) tumor cells
Characterizing cytotoxic therapy induced shifts in the cost-to-benefit ratio of high ploidy
This project looks at whether a tumor's DNA content and availability of DNA building blocks can predict which cancer cells are pushed into death versus into more aggressive growth after chemotherapy, especially in high-ploidy tumors like some brain cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174316 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear about work that combines lab experiments, genomic and imaging data, and computer modeling to see how chemotherapy changes the mix of cells in a tumor over longer times than usual. The team focuses on tumor DNA content (ploidy) and dNTP substrate levels to find a tipping point where therapy drives cells toward apoptosis rather than selection of resistant clones. They use cancer cell lines, omics and imaging platforms, and mathematical models to simulate how different doses and schedules shift tumor composition. The aim is to develop personalized cytotoxic therapy rules that limit therapy-driven emergence of resistant cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with high-ploidy tumors—for example certain brain cancers—who are receiving or may receive DNA-damaging cytotoxic chemotherapy and might donate tumor samples or participate in related protocols.
Not a fit: Patients with tumors that are not high-ploidy, those not treated with DNA-damaging chemotherapy, or those seeking immediate changes to standard care are unlikely to directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable more personalized chemotherapy dosing that kills more tumor cells while reducing the chance that treatment selects for resistant clones.
How similar studies have performed: The 'tip-over' concept is relatively new; related findings in cancer genomics and tumor evolution support the idea, but direct clinical proof for this personalized approach is limited.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Andor, Noemi — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Andor, Noemi
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.