Improving immune response in uterine cancer by targeting DNA damage
Official title: Targeting replication stress to engage DNA sensing STING pathway derived anti-tumor immunity to improve the therapeutic outcomes in uterine cancer
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11070315 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with recurring uterine cancers by using special treatments that could make their tumors more responsive to the immune system, potentially leading to better results and fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $434,493 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA269021-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070315 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with recurrent microsatellite stable/mismatch repair proficient uterine cancers who have not responded to or cannot tolerate current FDA-approved treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of uterine cancer or those who have already responded well to existing therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treat recurrent uterine cancers that are microsatellite stable and mismatch repair proficient. It aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments by targeting replication stress in cancer cells, which can activate the immune system's response against tumors. The study will explore the use of specific inhibitors that target DNA damage checkpoints, potentially transforming 'cold' tumors into 'hot' tumors that are more responsive to immunotherapy. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options that could lead to better outcomes and fewer side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new therapeutic strategies that enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve treatment outcomes for patients with recurrent uterine cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using similar approaches to activate immune responses in tumors, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Jean — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Jean
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modeling to Prevent and Control Uterine Cancer
A national modeling effort uses computer simulations to inform better prevention, screening, and treatment of uterine cancer for women.
-
Comparative modeling to guide uterine cancer care
This grant uses computer models to help doctors and patients understand how to make better decisions about uterine cancer care.
-
Using DNA damage drugs to help the immune system fight uterine cancer
This project combines drugs that increase tumor DNA damage with immunotherapy to help people with recurrent microsatellite-stable uterine cancer who haven't responded to current treatments.
-
Dual ATR and PI3K-targeted therapy for uterine cancer
This project will try combining two drugs that block ATR and PI3K to better stop uterine cancers, especially tumors with ARID1A changes or other DNA replication stress.
-
WEE1-targeted treatment for uterine serous and p53-mutant uterine cancer
Testing a drug that blocks the WEE1 protein to try to shrink uterine serous cancers and other uterine cancers with p53 mutations.
-
Treating uterine (endometrial) cancer by targeting DNA damage and replication stress
This project develops new treatment approaches that exploit DNA repair weaknesses to help women with advanced or recurrent uterine (endometrial) cancer who need additional options.
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.