Improving treatment for colorectal cancer using a KRAS peptide vaccine
Official title: Optimization of an active mutant KRAS peptide vaccine in colorectal cancer
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11023637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new vaccine called mKRASvax that aims to help the immune system fight advanced colorectal cancer by targeting specific gene mutations, and it's looking for patients whose cancer hasn't responded to regular treatments to see if this can work better alongside other therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 10, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $589,838 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA296410-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic microsatellite stable colorectal cancer who have not responded to previous chemotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with colorectal cancer that does not involve KRAS mutations or those who are not advanced in their disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a vaccine that targets specific mutations in the KRAS gene, which are common in colorectal cancer. The vaccine, called mKRASvax, combines six synthetic long peptides to stimulate the immune system, particularly T cells, to recognize and attack cancer cells with these mutations. The approach is being tested alongside existing immunotherapies, such as anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, to enhance their effectiveness in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Patients with certain types of colorectal cancer that have not responded to standard treatments may be eligible to participate in this innovative approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with colorectal cancer, particularly those with KRAS mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar vaccine approaches in other cancers, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Azad, Nilofer S. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Azad, Nilofer S.
Related research
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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.