Improving colon cancer treatment with new immunotherapy approaches
Official title: Targeting iRhom to Improve Colon Cancer Immunochemotherapy
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11019635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can make immunotherapy work better for people with metastatic colorectal cancer who haven't had success with current treatments, by focusing on certain proteins called iRhom that affect cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 9, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $546,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA295774-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer who have not responded to standard chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer or those whose cancer is not metastatic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), particularly those who do not respond to current treatments. The study investigates the role of iRhom proteins, which are involved in regulating cancer cell behavior, to develop novel immunochemotherapy strategies. By targeting these proteins, the research aims to improve patient outcomes and survival rates in mCRC. The approach includes analyzing the expression of iRhom1 in cancer cells and its correlation with treatment response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, particularly those who currently have limited choices.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach for colorectal cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Song — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Li, Song
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A new project will use advanced chemical analysis to find blood- and tissue-based markers that indicate colon cancer and its progression.
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.