New medicines to target specific cancers that resist treatment
Novel therapeutics for the targeted eradication of DDR-defective tumors
This research is developing new medications to specifically destroy certain types of brain, colon, and lung cancers that have become resistant to standard chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122280 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many aggressive cancers, like glioblastoma, colon, and lung cancers, have a specific genetic change that makes them sensitive to a common chemotherapy drug called temozolomide (TMZ). However, these cancers often develop resistance to TMZ, leaving patients with limited treatment options. This project is creating new compounds called FEtAs that are designed to specifically target and eliminate these resistant cancer cells. The goal is to find a way to overcome this resistance and offer new hope for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with glioblastoma, colon, or lung cancers that have specific genetic markers (MGMT- and MMR-) and have become resistant to temozolomide may be ideal candidates for future clinical applications of this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have the specific MGMT- and MMR- genetic characteristics, or who are not resistant to temozolomide, may not directly benefit from this particular approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for patients with glioblastoma, colon, and lung cancers that no longer respond to current chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Despite over 20 years of effort, previous attempts to overcome this specific type of chemotherapy resistance have not been successful, making this approach novel.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herzon, Seth B. — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Herzon, Seth B.
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.