How sunitinib affects blood vessel cells

Molecular mechanisms of translational control in sunitinib-induced vascular dysfunction

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11258993

This work looks at how the cancer drug sunitinib changes the way blood vessel cells make proteins in people treated for cancers such as kidney cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11258993 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers will examine endothelial cells, the cells that line blood vessels, to see how sunitinib changes the step that turns mRNA into proteins. They will use molecular lab experiments with cell models and likely animal studies, and may analyze human-derived samples to trace specific mechanisms such as 5'UTR-mediated control and relevant protein changes. The team aims to map the pathways that lead to sunitinib-related vascular dysfunction so protective strategies can be designed. Findings are intended to explain why some patients develop blood vessel and cardiovascular side effects during sunitinib treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People taking or planning to take sunitinib for cancers such as metastatic renal cell carcinoma would be the most relevant group.

Not a fit: Patients not receiving sunitinib or whose health issues are unrelated to vascular function are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could suggest ways to prevent or treat blood vessel side effects from sunitinib, making treatment safer for cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have described sunitinib's cardiac effects, but work specifically on how it alters protein production in blood vessel cells is limited, making this a relatively novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agents
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.