Overcoming immune evasion in chordoma using immune-boosting drugs
Official title: Overcoming immune evasion in chordoma by therapeutic targeting of the hypoxia-regulated adenosine pathway
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11374342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing drugs that block the immune-suppressing effects of adenosine to help the body's immune system fight chordoma tumors in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $435,827 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA299801-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older with chordoma or related conditions who are potential candidates for adenosine pathway–targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not respond to adenosine pathway inhibitors or may experience side effects from these therapies.
What this research studies
Chordomas are rare skull base and spine tumors that can recur after standard treatments and currently lack effective drug options. This project explores whether blocking the adenosine pathway on tumor cells can unleash immune responses against chordoma. The study will use patient-derived tumor cells to test A2AR antagonists and CD73 inhibitors, aiming to show whether these drugs enhance immune attack in the tumor environment. Findings could guide future therapies that enable the immune system to better target chordoma cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new drug strategies that empower the immune system to better fight chordoma tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in other cancers supports the concept that inhibiting adenosine signaling can enhance anti-tumor immunity; this study applies that idea specifically to chordoma.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zagzag, David — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zagzag, David
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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.