Investigating how certain fungi can cause serious infections in cancer patients receiving specific therapies
Official title: Fungal Pathogenicity Determinants through the Lens of Immune-Targeted Cancer Therapies
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-11130252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why a common fungus can cause serious infections in cancer patients with weakened immune systems, and it aims to find out which types of this fungus are more dangerous for those receiving certain cancer treatments, so we can better protect these patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $838,320 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI191067-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include cancer patients receiving Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors or those with weakened immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing cancer treatment or those with a healthy immune system may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, typically harmless, can lead to severe infections in patients undergoing cancer treatments that weaken their immune systems. By examining the effects of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which are used in treating lymphoid malignancies, the study aims to identify specific strains of A. fumigatus that pose a higher risk to these patients. The approach includes both laboratory studies and patient samples to uncover the mechanisms behind this increased susceptibility. The findings could help in developing targeted prevention strategies for at-risk patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for invasive aspergillosis in vulnerable cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding strain-specific pathogenicity in fungi can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cramer, Robert Andrew — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Cramer, Robert Andrew
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.