Improving treatment for cancers with BRCA mutations
Official title: Targeting base damage repair in BRCA-mutant cancers
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10979730 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain enzyme might help make cancer treatments more effective for people with BRCA mutations, especially those with breast and ovarian cancers, so they can possibly take lower doses of chemotherapy with fewer side effects while still getting good results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $393,943 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA286908-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979730 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancers that have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without BRCA mutations or those with other types of cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments for patients with BRCA mutations, particularly in breast and ovarian cancers. It investigates how a specific enzyme, ALC1, affects the sensitivity of cancer cells to a type of chemotherapy known as PARP inhibitors. By understanding the mechanisms behind this sensitivity, the research aims to develop strategies that could allow for lower doses of medication, potentially reducing side effects while maintaining treatment efficacy. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic approaches that could improve their response to treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less toxic treatment options for patients with BRCA-mutant cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar mechanisms in BRCA-mutant cancers, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verma, Priyanka — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Verma, Priyanka
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
Advanced Methods & Modeling for Better Patient Care
A funding opportunity focused on developing new modeling methods to improve health care for patients through better data use and analytics.
-
Advanced methods and modeling for health research at Washington University
A health research grant at Washington University funds new modeling methods to support future patient-focused studies.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology, Surveillance and Pathogenesis
A NIH program will study and monitor emerging viruses from the Midwest U.S. and three Asian sites to understand how they spread and affect people.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
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.