Investigating how certain cancer treatments affect colorectal cancer cells with specific mutations

Mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming by PIK3CA oncogenic mutations

NIH-funded research Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11012369

This study is looking at how a new treatment combining CB-839 and 5-FU might help people with colorectal cancer that has a PIK3CA mutation by encouraging the body to create special traps that can help fight the cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCase Western Reserve University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11012369 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the effects of a combination treatment using CB-839, a glutaminase inhibitor, and 5-FU on colorectal cancers that have PIK3CA mutations. The study aims to understand how this treatment induces the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which may help kill cancer cells. By using animal models, the researchers will assess the effectiveness of this combination therapy and its potential to improve outcomes for patients with this specific type of cancer. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating colorectal cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer that have PIK3CA mutations.

Not a fit: Patients with colorectal cancer that do not have PIK3CA mutations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment approach that enhances the effectiveness of existing therapies for colorectal cancer patients with PIK3CA mutations.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of using NETs in cancer treatment is relatively novel, preliminary findings suggest that similar approaches may have shown promise in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, 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.
Conditions anti-cancer research
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.