How mutation burden affects cancer growth and immune response
Impact of mutation burden on cancer growth and the immune landscape
This study is looking at how changes in cancer cells can help the immune system spot and fight tumors, especially in thyroid cancer, and it may involve patients sharing their tumor samples or joining related clinical trials to help us learn more about why some cancers respond better to certain treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10804590 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the number of mutations in cancer cells and how these mutations influence the immune system's ability to recognize and attack tumors. By using advanced mouse models and analyzing patient tumors, the study aims to understand how high mutation burdens can create specific markers, known as neoantigens, that may enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade therapies. The research seeks to fill gaps in knowledge regarding why some cancers respond to these therapies while others do not, particularly focusing on thyroid cancer. Patients may be involved in providing tumor samples or participating in related clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients with high mutation burden tumors, particularly those with thyroid cancer or other malignancies.
Not a fit: Patients with low mutation burden tumors that do not respond to immune checkpoint blockade therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments by identifying which patients are more likely to benefit from immune therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that high mutation burdens can correlate with better responses to immune therapies, suggesting that this approach has potential based on existing findings.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Eileen P. — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: White, Eileen P.
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.