Investigating how temperature-sensitive p53 mutants can fight cancer

Anti-tumor potential of temperature-sensitive p53 mutants

NIH-funded research H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-11032033

This study is looking at a way to help cancer patients whose tumors have a faulty p53 protein by using cool temperatures to make the cancer cells die or stop growing, and they want to see if this works better when combined with chemotherapy to shrink tumors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project IDNIH-11032033 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on the p53 tumor suppressor, which is often mutated in cancer, leading to its inactivation. The study aims to rescue the function of these mutant p53 proteins by using a method that induces hypothermia in tumor cells, potentially triggering cell death or halting the cell cycle. By testing this approach in mouse models, researchers hope to evaluate the effectiveness of combining temperature-sensitive p53 activation with chemotherapy to shrink tumors. The ultimate goal is to develop a new treatment strategy for cancers with specific p53 mutations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients whose tumors harbor temperature-sensitive p53 mutations.

Not a fit: Patients with tumors that do not express temperature-sensitive p53 mutations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative cancer therapies that specifically target tumors with temperature-sensitive p53 mutations.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary experiments have shown promising results in similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel treatment strategy.

Where this research is happening

Tampa, 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.
Conditions anti-cancer therapyCancer Patientcancer therapy
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.