New targeted approach to kill TP53-mutant colorectal cancer
Official title: Novel synthetic lethality strategy for TP53 mutant colorectal cancer
Funded at Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11385441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment idea aims to selectively kill colorectal cancers with TP53 mutations by using a DNA-damage strategy that becomes lethal when combined with PARP inhibitors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $510,841 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA282430-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385441 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with colorectal cancer that harbor TP53 mutations may be eligible for future trials of this approach.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without TP53 mutations or without cancer treatment resistance may not benefit from this specific strategy.
What this research studies
This project focuses on colorectal cancers that have TP53 mutations, which tend to respond poorly to existing drugs. It builds on preclinical findings showing that a thymidine analogue can cause DNA damage in p53-deficient cells, and that PARP inhibitors amplify this damage to drive cancer cell death. The researchers plan further validation in models to confirm the selective effect on TP53-mutant tumors. If successful, the approach could point toward a more effective, targeted therapy for patients with this difficult-to-treat cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this strategy could lead to a new targeted therapy for TP53-mutant colorectal cancer with potentially greater efficacy and manageable side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical results have shown selective killing of TP53-deficient cells when combined with PARP inhibitors, suggesting promise but needs clinical validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fountzilas, Christos — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Fountzilas, Christos
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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.