Repurposing existing CDK1-blocking drugs for early-onset endometrial cancer
P30 Administrative Supplement for Early-Onset Cancer Research: Repurposing orphan drugs for early-onset endometrial cancer
This project looks at whether FDA-approved CDK1-blocking drugs can help people under 50 whose endometrial cancers have KMT2D mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P30 center grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11338439 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a patient, I would hear that researchers found KMT2D mutations are common in younger-onset endometrial tumors and that these tumors often show increased CDK1 activity. In lab-grown cancer cells made with CRISPR and in a genetically engineered mouse model, they are testing whether CDK1 inhibitors already used as orphan drugs (Alvocidib and Dinaciclib) can slow tumor growth. The team aims to repurpose these drugs so promising lab results could move toward patient studies more quickly. If the preclinical work is convincing, the next steps would be designing clinical trials for people with KMT2D-deficient early-onset endometrial cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people under 50 with endometrial cancer whose tumors test positive for KMT2D mutations or show high CDK1 activity.
Not a fit: Patients without KMT2D mutations, older-onset cases driven by other pathways, or those with medical reasons that make CDK1 inhibitors unsafe may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a targeted treatment option for younger patients with KMT2D-mutant endometrial cancer using drugs already approved for other uses.
How similar studies have performed: CDK4/6 inhibitors are already being tested in endometrial cancer, but using CDK1 inhibitors for KMT2D-driven tumors is a newer approach with limited patient data so far.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Wayne State University — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pasche, Boris — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Pasche, Boris
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.