miR-15a microRNA therapy for advanced metastatic colorectal cancer
Development of novel miRNA based novel therapeutics for metastatic colorectal cancer
A new treatment using a small RNA called miR-15a is being developed to help people, including Veterans, with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer that is resistant to standard chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northport VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Northport, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11130922 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating a synthetic mimic of miR-15a, a small regulatory RNA, to target mechanisms that make colorectal tumors resistant to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The team will use laboratory cancer models and molecular techniques to see if restoring miR-15a can kill cancer stem cells and lower levels of resistance proteins like thymidylate synthase. Experiments will test delivery methods, safety, and effects on tumor growth and recurrence in preclinical settings as a step toward therapies for Veterans with advanced disease. If preclinical results are promising, this work could move toward clinical testing in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer whose tumors no longer respond to 5-FU–based chemotherapy, including Veterans treated at VA centers.
Not a fit: People with early-stage, easily resectable colorectal cancer or tumors that remain sensitive to standard chemotherapy are unlikely to benefit from this early-stage therapeutic development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could overcome chemotherapy resistance and reduce recurrence, offering a new treatment option for people with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies and a few early clinical attempts with miRNA mimics have shown biological promise, but clinical success has been limited so far due to delivery and safety challenges.
Where this research is happening
Northport, United States
- Northport VA Medical Center — Northport, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ju, Jingfang — Northport VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ju, Jingfang
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.