Natural compounds to prevent colon cancer
Discovery and Development of Natural Products for Interception of CRC
Researchers are looking for natural compounds that block two enzymes that help colorectal cancer start and grow, with the goal of preventing cancer in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321201 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses the NIH’s large libraries of pre-fractionated natural products to find fractions that inhibit two enzymes (mPGES-1 and 5-LOX) linked to early colorectal cancer. Lab-based biochemical and cell assays will screen for selective, non-toxic hits, which will then be tested in animal cancer models to check activity and safety. The team plans to explore combining inhibitors of both pathways to get stronger prevention effects while avoiding known cardiovascular risks. Successful candidates would move toward further preclinical development and potential future human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who might eventually be candidates for related trials are those at higher risk for colorectal cancer, such as individuals with precancerous polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or a strong family history.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer are unlikely to benefit from these prevention-focused efforts at this stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce safer, targeted preventive treatments that lower the chance of colorectal cancer by blocking inflammatory pathways involved in early tumor growth.
How similar studies have performed: Natural products have led to approved anticancer drugs and preclinical studies support targeting inflammation pathways, but highly selective, non‑toxic mPGES-1/5-LOX agents remain largely unproven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Oklahoma City, United States
- University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr — Oklahoma City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Chinthalapally V. — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rao, Chinthalapally V.
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.