Improving safety in chemotherapy for cancer patients using genetic testing
Official title: A precision medicine approach to improve prediction of severe toxicity in fluorouracil chemotherapy
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10909871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to make the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil safer for cancer patients by finding genetic markers that can help predict who might have serious side effects, so that doctors can give the right dose for each person, especially for those from different backgrounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $357,981 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA251065-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909871 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include cancer patients who are prescribed 5-fluorouracil and may be at risk for severe toxicity due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy or those without genetic predispositions to toxicity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the safety of the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by identifying genetic biomarkers that predict severe toxic reactions. Many cancer patients experience life-threatening side effects from standard doses of 5-FU, often due to a deficiency in a specific enzyme. The study will explore additional genetic variants beyond those currently known to better tailor treatment doses to individual patients, particularly focusing on diverse populations. By using these biomarkers, the goal is to optimize dosing and reduce the risk of severe toxicity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of severe side effects from 5-FU chemotherapy, improving patient safety and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic testing to predict drug toxicity, but this approach aims to expand on those findings with a focus on underrepresented populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Offer, Steven — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Offer, Steven
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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.