Improving Radiotherapy for Cancer by Targeting PCSK9
Novel roles of PCSK9 in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment during radiotherapy
This research explores how a protein called PCSK9 affects the body's immune response to cancer treatment, hoping to make radiation therapy more effective for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138610 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When cancer cells are treated with radiation, they can trigger an immune response that helps fight the tumor, but this natural immune response often doesn't last long enough. Our team is looking into a protein called PCSK9, which we believe might be limiting this helpful immune reaction. We want to understand how PCSK9 works to suppress the immune system's ability to attack cancer after radiation. By understanding this, we hope to find new ways to boost the body's own defenses against cancer when patients receive radiotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit future cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing radiotherapy for cancer would likely not directly benefit from this specific research direction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that make radiation therapy more powerful by strengthening the patient's immune system against cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown PCSK9's role in immune regulation, and preliminary data suggests inhibiting PCSK9 can enhance radiotherapy in models.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jennifer Yunyan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jennifer Yunyan
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 below.