New treatment approach for colorectal cancer with TP53 mutations

Novel synthetic lethality strategy for TP53 mutant colorectal cancer

NIH-funded research Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-10904954

This study is testing a new treatment for colorectal cancer patients with a specific gene mutation that makes their cancer cells more vulnerable, aiming to safely target and kill those cancer cells while protecting healthy ones.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRoswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Buffalo, United States)
Project IDNIH-10904954 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel treatment strategy for colorectal cancer patients whose tumors have mutations in the TP53 gene. The approach focuses on exploiting the unique DNA repair deficiencies of these cancer cells, which leads to their accumulation of DNA damage when treated with a specific thymidine analogue. By combining this analogue with inhibitors of a DNA repair enzyme, the treatment aims to selectively kill p53-deficient cancer cells while minimizing harm to normal cells. Patients may be involved in clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this innovative therapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma that has mutations in the TP53 gene.

Not a fit: Patients with colorectal cancer that do not have TP53 mutations may not benefit from this specific treatment approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and less toxic treatment option for patients with TP53 mutant colorectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results using similar strategies to target DNA repair deficiencies in cancer cells, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Buffalo, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anti-Cancer AgentsCancer Drug
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.