How the immune system affects chemotherapy response in colorectal cancer
Role of immune regulation in colorectal cancer chemotherapeutic response
This project looks at how the immune system helps or interferes with 5‑FU chemotherapy in people with colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171363 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying why people with colorectal cancer respond differently to 5‑FU chemotherapy by examining both tumor cell sensitivity and the body's immune response. They use models with functioning immune systems to see whether both cancer-cell vulnerability to 5‑FU and immune changes are needed to shrink tumors. The team will identify immune signals and mechanisms that change how well 5‑FU works. Results could point to ways to combine immune-targeting approaches with standard chemotherapy to improve treatment or reduce side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer who are considering or receiving 5‑FU–based chemotherapy, especially those with advanced disease, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer or those not treated with 5‑FU are unlikely to be directly helped by this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to approaches that make 5‑FU chemotherapy work better for more colorectal cancer patients and reduce harmful side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and mouse studies suggest the immune system can change chemotherapy effects, but studying immune contributions to 5‑FU response in immunocompetent settings is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Jun — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Lu, Jun
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.