Investigating how certain cancers maintain their telomeres and potential treatment targets.

Targeting Shared Vulnerabilities in Alternate Telomere Lengthening (ALT) Cancers

['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIS CENTER · NIH-11017846

This study is looking at certain types of cancer that grow in a different way than usual and aims to find special markers that could help us discover new treatments for patients with these cancers.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIS CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LUBBOCK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11017846 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how specific cancers, particularly those that do not use the common telomerase method, maintain their telomeres through a process called Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT). By identifying unique biomarkers associated with ALT cancers, the study aims to uncover vulnerabilities in these cancer cells that could be targeted for treatment. The researchers will utilize a specialized assay to detect these biomarkers in various cancer types, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with ALT-positive tumors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ALT-positive cancers, which may include certain types of neuroblastoma and other malignancies.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not exhibit ALT characteristics or those who do not have a diagnosis of cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with ALT-positive cancers, improving their clinical outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting vulnerabilities in ALT cancers, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

LUBBOCK, 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.