Improving radiation treatment for rectal cancer by targeting low oxygen levels in tumors
Official title: Tumor-Selective Radiosensitization by Targeting Hypoxia in Rectal Cancer
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11046402 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special FDA-approved drug can help make radiation therapy work better for people with locally advanced rectal cancer by improving oxygen levels in tumors, with the hope that more patients can avoid surgery or have better results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $662,096 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA297752-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046402 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer who are undergoing or have completed chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with rectal cancer who are not eligible for chemotherapy or radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer by addressing the issue of tumor hypoxia, which can make tumors resistant to treatment. The approach involves using an FDA-approved drug that inhibits mitochondrial oxygen consumption to sensitize tumor cells to radiation. By improving the response rates to radiation therapy, the goal is to increase the number of patients who can avoid surgery or achieve better outcomes. Patients will be monitored through imaging and assessments to evaluate their response to this innovative treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for rectal cancer patients, potentially allowing more individuals to avoid surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting tumor hypoxia to enhance radiation therapy, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Terence Marques — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Williams, Terence Marques
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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.