Prognostic and therapeutic roles of voltage-gated potassium channels in KIT-mutant GIST
Official title: Prognostic and Therapeutic Roles of Voltage Gated Potassium Channels in Managing KIT Mutant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11345549 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how potassium channels might influence treatment response in KIT-mutant gastrointestinal stromal tumors and whether a combination therapy could improve outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | June 4, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $666,441 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA292590-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345549 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with KIT-mutant GIST or those whose tumors express Kvβ1.1/KCNAB1 may be most relevant for follow-up studies or translation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not involve KIT mutations or Kvβ1.1 expression may see little benefit from the specific VGKC-targeted approach described here.
What this research studies
GIST tumors often have KIT mutations and are treated with TKIs like imatinib, but responses are limited. The researchers study a protein called Kvβ1.1 and its role in resistant tumor cell subpopulations that may persist despite initial therapy. They investigate how blocking potassium channels with drugs like 4-AP could work together with imatinib to more effectively control KIT-mutant GIST in lab and animal models. The work aims to identify biomarkers and mechanisms that could guide more effective, personalized treatments for patients with this cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective combination therapies for KIT-mutant GIST and help identify patients who are less likely to respond to standard TKIs.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data suggest that combining VGKC blockers with KIT inhibitors can improve tumor control in GIST models, supporting continued exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sicklick, Jason Keith — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Sicklick, Jason Keith
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating how potassium channels affect treatment of certain stomach tumors
This study is looking at a type of tumor called gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that are caused by changes in a gene, and it’s testing whether combining a cancer drug with another medication can help make the treatment more effective for patients.
-
DCC-2618 in GIST after at least 3 prior treatments
This trial tests whether DCC-2618 is safe in people with advanced GIST who have already tried at least three other treatments.
-
Imatinib plus fampridine before surgery for KIT exon 11 gastrointestinal stromal tumor
This trial tests whether adding fampridine to standard imatinib before surgery is safe and helps shrink KIT exon 11 mutant GIST tumors in adults.
-
Testing a new drug for advanced solid tumors that express c-Kit
This study is testing a new drug for people with advanced solid tumors that have a specific marker called c-Kit to see if it is safe and how well it works.
-
Understanding genetic causes of neuroendocrine tumors in Mexican patients
This study is trying to find out the genetic changes that cause neuroendocrine tumors in Mexican patients to help develop better treatments.
-
Combining radiotherapy with ripretinib for advanced GIST treatment
This study is testing if combining radiotherapy with ripretinib can help people with advanced GIST live longer and feel better.
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.