New treatment for colorectal cancer using targeted drug-conjugates
Official title: Bispecific drug-conjugates for treating colorectal cancer
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11017078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new treatment for colorectal cancer that combines two targets to help fight the disease better, especially for patients who haven't had success with current therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $215,308 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA282378-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, especially those with LGR5 expression and without KRAS mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with colorectal cancer who have KRAS mutations may not benefit from this research due to the targeted nature of the treatment.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (BsADC) that targets both LGR5, a marker for cancer stem cells, and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in colorectal cancer (CRC). By combining these two targets, the treatment aims to overcome the challenges of tumor heterogeneity and resistance to existing therapies. The research will involve creating a potent BsADC and testing its effectiveness and safety in models derived from patients with CRC. This approach seeks to provide a more effective treatment option for patients who may not respond to current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective treatment for colorectal cancer, particularly for patients with tumors that have mutations making them resistant to standard therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with antibody-drug conjugates in treating solid tumors, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carmon, Kendra S. — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Carmon, Kendra S.
Related research
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Comparative modeling to guide colorectal cancer screening and care
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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.