Investigating how DNA damage response inhibitors can enhance cancer treatment and immune response after radiation therapy.
DNA damage response and cancer immunity
This study is looking at how certain drugs can make cancer treatments work better after radiation therapy by helping to kill more cancer cells and strengthen the immune system, using a special mouse model to see how these drugs affect both cancer and immune cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10871901 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how DNA damage response inhibitors (DDRi) can improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments, particularly after radiation therapy. By disabling the mechanisms that normally slow down cell division and DNA repair, the study aims to enhance the killing of cancer cells while also boosting the body's immune response against tumors. The researchers will use a unique mouse model to explore how these inhibitors affect both cancer and immune cells, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer who may benefit from enhanced treatment strategies.
Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving radiation therapy or those with conditions unrelated to the DNA damage response may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer therapies that not only kill cancer cells but also enhance the body's immune response to fight tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results using similar approaches to enhance cancer treatment and immune responses, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bakkenist, Christopher J. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Bakkenist, Christopher J.
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 below.