How the protein PI3K-gamma helps tumors grow and spread
Role of PI3Kgamma in Tumor Progression and Metastasis
This research looks at whether blocking a protein called PI3K-gamma can stop immune cells from helping lung and breast tumors grow and spread, which could help people with advanced solid tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180310 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on PI3K-gamma, a protein that controls immune cells in the tumor environment. In laboratory and animal models, researchers block PI3K-gamma to reduce tumor-promoting myeloid cells and shift macrophages toward an anti-tumor state. They combine PI3K-gamma inhibition with chemotherapy and immune checkpoint drugs to see if the combination slows tumor growth and prevents metastasis. Findings are intended to guide future clinical trials for people with lung or breast cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced or metastatic lung or breast cancer, especially those not responding well to current therapies, would be the most likely candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not depend on myeloid cell–driven suppression or those with very early-stage disease may not see direct benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make existing chemotherapy and immunotherapy work better and reduce tumor spread.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies show promising results that PI3K-gamma inhibition can reprogram tumor immune cells and boost other treatments, but clear clinical benefits in people have not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Varner, Judith a — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Varner, Judith a
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.