Improving Colorectal Cancer Treatment by Targeting DNA Repair

Immunomodulatory Effects of Targeting DNA Repair with Novel Temozolomide Combinations in Colorectal Cancer

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11125827

This research is exploring new drug combinations to better treat colorectal cancer, especially for patients whose tumors have a specific genetic feature.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorYALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11125827 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our bodies have ways to repair damaged DNA, and cancer cells sometimes use these same repair systems to survive chemotherapy. This project looks at how colorectal cancer cells repair damage caused by a chemotherapy drug called temozolomide (TMZ). We've found that blocking certain DNA repair pathways, like PARP or ATR, might make TMZ more effective against tumors that have a specific genetic change called MGMT silencing. We are testing these new drug combinations in clinical trials to see if they can improve outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be patients with colorectal cancer whose tumors show a specific genetic feature called MGMT silencing.

Not a fit: Patients whose colorectal cancer does not have the MGMT silencing feature may not benefit from this specific treatment approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with a specific type of colorectal cancer, potentially improving their response to chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combinations are novel, previous preclinical findings suggest that inhibiting DNA repair pathways can sensitize tumors to chemotherapy.

Where this research is happening

NEW HAVEN, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.