Investigating how deoxyuridine contamination affects immune signaling in cancer treatment

Deoxyuridine Contamination and Innate Immune Signaling

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11164077

This study is looking at how a substance called deoxyuridine, which can build up in DNA during chemotherapy, affects the body's immune response, and it hopes to find ways to improve cancer treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11164077 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the effects of deoxyuridine (dU) contamination in DNA, which can occur during chemotherapy treatments that target DNA replication. It focuses on how this contamination influences innate immune responses, particularly through the action of ATR inhibitors that can increase dU levels in DNA. By examining the relationship between dU contamination and immune signaling, the study aims to understand how these factors interact and potentially impact cancer treatment outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy that involves antimetabolites.

Not a fit: Patients not receiving chemotherapy or those with conditions unrelated to DNA replication may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments by optimizing the use of chemotherapy and improving immune responses.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between DNA damage and immune responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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.
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.