Investigating how circular RNAs affect immune responses to a cancer treatment
Official title: Endogenous Circular RNAs limit abemaciclib anti tumor immune responses
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11021906 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a type of cancer called soft-tissue sarcomas and is testing a drug called Abemaciclib to see if it can work better when we also focus on certain molecules in the body called circRNAs, with the goal of improving treatment and boosting the immune system's ability to fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | March 17, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $567,059 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA295834-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021906 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced soft-tissue sarcomas who are exploring new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage soft-tissue sarcomas or those who are not eligible for Abemaciclib treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on soft-tissue sarcomas, a type of cancer with low survival rates, and aims to improve treatment outcomes using Abemaciclib, a drug that inhibits certain cancer cell growth. The study will explore how circular RNAs (circRNAs) interact with this drug and the immune system, using advanced mouse models to simulate human responses. By silencing specific circRNAs, the researchers hope to enhance the anti-tumor effects of Abemaciclib and improve the overall immune response against the tumor. Techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry will be used to analyze the tumor microenvironment and immune cell interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with soft-tissue sarcomas, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing anti-tumor immune responses through similar mechanisms, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guarnerio, Jlenia — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Guarnerio, Jlenia
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.