Improving radiation for cervical cancer by targeting glutamine use
Official title: Optimizing radiation therapy through the manipulation of glutamine metabolism
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11162381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to see whether blocking cancer cells' use of glutamine helps radiation control cervical cancer better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2014 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $748,125 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA181745-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with locally advanced or radiation-resistant cervical cancer who can receive chemoradiation and enroll in an early-phase clinical trial are the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with cancers other than cervical cancer, those who cannot tolerate chemoradiation, or tumors that are not glutamine-dependent are less likely to benefit.
What this research studies
The team will run laboratory studies and an investigator-initiated clinical trial combining a glutaminase inhibitor (CB-839) with standard chemoradiation for cervical cancer. In lab models they will examine how blocking glutamine affects both tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor environment, including shifting macrophages toward a more tumor-fighting state. Because radiation can stimulate anti-tumor immunity, the researchers expect the drug and radiation may work together to improve long-term tumor control. If promising, patients with locally advanced or radiation-resistant cervical cancer will be enrolled at Washington University to test safety and early signs of benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make radiation more effective, reduce recurrence, and improve outcomes for people with radiation-resistant cervical cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies and early-phase trials in other cancers suggest glutaminase inhibition can slow tumors and enhance immunity, but combining CB-839 with radiation for cervical cancer is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwarz, Julie Kristina — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Schwarz, Julie Kristina
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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.