New treatment approach for liver cancer spread from colon cancer

A new therapeutic strategy to target liver metastasis in colon cancer

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11133691

This study is looking at a new way to help prevent liver cancer spread in people with colon cancer by testing a special treatment that works with certain receptors in the body, and it aims to see how well this treatment works alone or with other cancer medicines.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11133691 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel therapeutic strategy aimed at preventing liver metastasis in patients with colon cancer. It focuses on the role of dopamine D4 receptors in regulating specific cytokines that contribute to cancer spread. By testing selective DRD4 agonists, either alone or in combination with existing anti-cancer drugs, the research aims to determine their effectiveness in reducing liver metastasis in preclinical animal models that mimic human conditions. The study will also explore the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in this process.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colon cancer who are at risk of developing liver metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with colon cancer who do not have a risk of liver metastasis or those who have already progressed to advanced metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly reduce the risk of liver metastasis in colon cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting DRD4 in this context is novel, similar strategies targeting metastasis in other cancers have shown promise in previous research.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, 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-cancerAnti-Cancer Agentsanti-cancer 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.