New ways to treat cancer by disrupting DNA repair

Novel DNA damage response therapeutics targeting replication protein A

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11129730

This research explores a new medicine that helps stop cancer cells from repairing their DNA, aiming to develop better treatments for people with cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11129730 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Cancer cells often have problems with their DNA, and this research looks for ways to use those weaknesses against them. We are focusing on a specific protein called RPA, which cancer cells rely on to repair their DNA and survive. By developing a new drug that blocks RPA, we hope to make cancer cells unable to fix their DNA damage, leading to their death. This approach could offer a new strategy to fight various types of cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Future patients with various types of cancer, particularly those where DNA repair pathways are already compromised, could potentially benefit from therapies developed from this research.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not rely on the specific DNA repair pathway targeted by this research may not receive direct benefit from this particular approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new class of drugs that specifically target cancer cells by disrupting their DNA repair mechanisms, potentially offering more effective treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Other drugs, like PARP inhibitors, have shown success by targeting similar DNA repair pathways in cancer, suggesting this approach has a strong foundation.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.