How colorectal tumors start, change, and point to new treatments
Early to Late Events in Colorectal Neoplasia: Basic Biology to Clinical Implementation
This project looks for cell markers and drug targets in the common form of colorectal cancer (MSS) to help develop better treatments for patients whose tumors don't respond to current immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161519 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on microsatellite‑stable (MSS) colorectal cancer, the most common form that typically does not respond to immune checkpoint drugs. Researchers are using advanced sequencing methods to find a quiescent stem‑cell marker called Tob2 and to define roles for regulators Lrig1 and Lrig3 in tumor formation. They also identified a four‑gene immune‑exclusion signature (IEX) involving DDR1, TGFBi, and DPEP1 that may block immune responses and could be targeted with therapies. A clinical trial has already begun combining a DDR1‑blocking antibody with immune checkpoint therapy to see if this can help patients with MSS tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with microsatellite‑stable (MSS) colorectal cancer, especially those with advanced disease or tumors that are resistant to immune checkpoint therapy, would be the likely candidates for related clinical trials.
Not a fit: People whose tumors are microsatellite‑instable (MSI‑H) or individuals without colorectal cancer are unlikely to benefit directly from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce tests to predict immune resistance and new treatments (for example DDR1‑targeting drugs) that make immunotherapy effective for more colorectal cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: The approach builds on growing research into the tumor microenvironment and immune exclusion, and an early clinical trial combining a DDR1 neutralizing antibody with immune checkpoint blockade has already started.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coffey, Robert J. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Coffey, Robert J.
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.