Stopping cancer drug resistance by modeling how tumors evolve
Extending experimental evolutionary game theory in cancer in vivo to enable clinical translation: integrating spatio-temporal dynamics using mathematical modeling
This project combines lab experiments and math models to understand how cancers become resistant to targeted drugs so patients with mutation-driven cancers may get longer-lasting treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11211035 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team measures how different cancer cell types interact and compete under targeted therapies using a new "evolutionary game" lab assay and will extend those measurements into 3-D and in vivo models. They will build spatio-temporal mathematical models that use those data to predict how tumors change over time and space during treatment. Work aims to link lab and animal findings to clinical situations to suggest smarter dosing schedules or combination strategies. If these predictions hold up, they could guide future trials and clinical decisions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers driven by activating mutations who are treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or who can donate tumor samples for research would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that are not driven by targetable mutations or who need immediate curative therapy are unlikely to see direct benefits in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatment strategies that delay or prevent drug resistance so targeted therapies remain effective for longer.
How similar studies have performed: Related mathematical and laboratory studies have shown promise in predicting resistance patterns, but clinical translation remains limited and this effort is novel in connecting in vivo measurements with predictive models.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scott, Jacob Gardinier — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Scott, Jacob Gardinier
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.