Reducing tumor hypoxia to improve immune response in cancer treatment
Breaking down tumor immune privilege through targeted hypoxia reduction
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in tumors can make cancer treatments less effective, especially for pancreatic and prostate cancer, and aims to find ways to improve oxygen levels in tumors so that treatments, like immunotherapy, can work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10877002 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how low oxygen levels in tumors, known as hypoxia, contribute to poor treatment outcomes in cancers like pancreatic and prostate cancer. The team aims to understand the mechanisms behind tumor hypoxia and its effects on immune cells, particularly T cells, which struggle to function in these low-oxygen environments. By exploring ways to effectively reduce hypoxia, the research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies, including immunotherapy. The approach involves studying the factors that lead to hypoxia and how to maintain oxygen levels in tumors over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with cancers that are known to be resistant to current therapies due to hypoxia, such as pancreatic and prostate cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not exhibit hypoxia-related resistance or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments by enhancing the immune system's ability to fight tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting tumor hypoxia to improve treatment outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Curran, Michael a. — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Curran, Michael a.
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 below.