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-11075408 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make chemotherapy safer for cancer patients by finding genetic markers that can help predict who might have serious side effects from the drug 5-fluorouracil, so that doctors can adjust the dose to better fit each person's needs.
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) | $80,798 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA251065-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075408 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 focuses on enhancing 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 aims to expand the understanding of genetic variants that contribute to this toxicity, particularly in diverse populations, to allow for personalized dosing that minimizes risks. By using advanced biomarker testing, the goal is to tailor treatment plans to individual patients, improving their overall safety and treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of severe side effects from 5-FU chemotherapy, leading to safer treatment options for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic testing to predict chemotherapy toxicity, but this study 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.