Investigating a new way to treat bile duct cancer

Dissecting a novel tumor-promoting axis in cholangiocarcinoma

['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-10979882

This study is looking for better treatments for bile duct cancer by exploring how a protein called B7-H4 helps tumors grow, with the hope of finding new ways to fight this tough disease and improve survival for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10979882 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on finding effective treatments for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a challenging bile duct cancer with a very low survival rate. The team is exploring the role of the immune checkpoint protein B7-H4, which is found in high levels in many CCA cases, and how it interacts with the TGFβ pathway to promote tumor growth. By using advanced genetic techniques, the researchers aim to disrupt this process in animal models, potentially leading to new therapies that could improve patient outcomes. The study is designed to validate these findings and develop novel therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, particularly those with advanced disease.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage bile duct cancer or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve survival rates for patients with bile duct cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeting B7-H4 in cancer treatment is promising, this specific investigation into its role in cholangiocarcinoma is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.