Improving treatment for rectal cancer by targeting tryptophan metabolism
Official title: Targeting Tryptophan Metabolism in Rectal Cancer
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10932926 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of your body's metabolism affects the growth of locally advanced rectal cancer and how well treatments work, with the goal of finding better ways to help patients respond to their treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $633,106 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278197-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932926 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer who are undergoing or considering neoadjuvant therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage rectal cancer or those who have already received extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing treatment outcomes for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) by investigating the role of tryptophan metabolism in tumor growth and treatment resistance. The study utilizes patient samples and pre-clinical models to explore the effects of combining short course radiation therapy with an IDO1 inhibitor, which is known to suppress immune responses in tumors. By understanding how IDO1 overexpression contributes to treatment resistance, the research aims to develop more effective therapeutic strategies that could improve patient responses to existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and better survival rates for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ciorba, Matthew Aaron — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ciorba, Matthew Aaron
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Molecular Characterization of Radiation Effects in Rectal Cancer
A patient-facing platform study aims to link tissue changes, imaging, and the immune system during radiotherapy for rectal cancer to improve future treatments.
-
Immune System and Radiation in Rectal Cancer
This grant supports a small international study to understand how radiation therapy interacts with the immune system in rectal cancer by collecting tumor, blood, stool, and lymph node samples from patients before and after treatment.
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Targeting tryptophan metabolism to improve rectal cancer treatment
This NIH grant is exploring a new way to help people with locally advanced rectal cancer by combining radiation with a drug that blocks a pathway our immune system uses to protect tumors.
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Time-restricted eating during rectal cancer treatment to reduce toxicity and improve outcomes
A clinical trial tests whether eating only within a set time window during cancer treatment can reduce side effects and help treatments work better for rectal cancer patients.
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Enhancing Rectal Cancer Immunotherapy with Radiation-Induced Senescence and PTPN2 Inhibition
This grant explores a combo approach using radiation and a targeted inhibitor to boost the body's immune attack on rectal cancer, aiming to preserve the organ and reduce long-term side effects.
-
Early response to radiotherapy and immunotherapy in rectal cancer
A new approach combines short-course radiation, chemotherapy, and an immune therapy antibody to try to shrink rectal cancers before surgery or avoid surgery altogether.
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.