New antibodies that target and neutralize cancer mutations
Official title: Novel immunotherapies using optimized tumor cell-penetrating antibodies
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11060790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new types of antibodies that can get inside cancer cells to target and stop the mutations that help tumors grow, aiming to create better treatments for patients whose cancers don't respond to current therapies.
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, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,881 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA297896-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with carcinomas that harbor KRAS mutations and have shown resistance to current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve KRAS mutations or those who are not eligible for antibody therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative antibodies that can penetrate cancer cells and neutralize specific mutations that drive tumor growth. By using engineered antibodies that bind to a protein allowing them to enter the cells, the goal is to effectively control the growth of cancers that have become resistant to existing treatments. The research will explore the mechanisms of these antibodies and select the most promising candidates for clinical use, potentially leading to new therapies for patients with certain types of cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with cancers driven by specific mutations, improving their chances of recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered antibodies for cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conejo-Garcia, Jose R — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Conejo-Garcia, Jose R
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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.