Investigating the causes of a rare intestinal cancer
Official title: Clinical and Genetic Origins of Monomorphic Epitheliotropic Intestinal T Cell Lymphoma
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11003697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a rare and tough type of cancer called Monomorphic Epitheliotropic Intestinal T-cell Lymphoma (MEITL) to understand how certain genes, especially the SETD2 gene, might play a role in its development, with the hope of finding better treatments for people affected by this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $374,942 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277192-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Monomorphic Epitheliotropic Intestinal T-cell Lymphoma or those with related lymphomas that exhibit SETD2 deficiencies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of lymphomas or those without genetic alterations in SETD2 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Monomorphic Epitheliotropic Intestinal T-cell Lymphoma (MEITL), a rare and aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. The team will explore the genetic factors, particularly the role of the SETD2 gene, in the development of this disease using a specialized mouse model. By understanding how SETD2 loss and the activation of certain oncogenes contribute to cancer cell transformation, the researchers aim to identify potential new treatment strategies. The findings could lead to more effective therapies for patients suffering from MEITL and related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies that significantly improve survival rates for patients with MEITL.
How similar studies have gone: While research on MEITL is limited, previous studies on SETD2 in other cancers have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dave, Sandeep — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Dave, Sandeep
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This project will test whether losing the SETD2 gene and turning on certain cancer genes causes a rare intestinal T‑cell lymphoma and makes it more sensitive to chemotherapy for people with MEITL.
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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.