Map of cancer metabolism across tumor types
Creation of the Human Cancer Metabolome Atlas
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11159805
This project will create a free, searchable atlas of metabolites measured in many patient-derived tumors to help researchers develop metabolism-based cancer treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11159805 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This effort will measure small molecules (metabolites) in over 2,000 patient-derived tumor models using mass spectrometry and compile the results into an open-access Cancer Metabolome Atlas. Samples will be obtained from established repositories and commercial partners and linked with tumor type, stage, and other clinical characteristics. The database will be searchable so researchers can compare metabolic patterns across cancers and identify candidate pathways for new drugs or biomarkers. All data and tools will be shared publicly to accelerate follow-up studies and clinical translation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients whose tumor tissue is represented in patient-derived xenograft repositories or who are willing to donate tumor samples to such repositories would be most directly connected to this work.
Not a fit: People without cancer or patients whose tumors are not included in PDX collections are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the atlas could point researchers toward new metabolism-targeted drugs and biomarkers that improve and personalize cancer care.
How similar studies have performed: Genomic and proteomic atlases (like TCGA and HPA) have been highly useful, but a large, open cancer metabolome atlas of this scale is novel, although smaller metabolomics studies have been published.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RUSHING, BLAKE RICHEY — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: RUSHING, BLAKE RICHEY
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.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents, Cancer Biology, Cancer Drug, Cancer Treatment, Cancers