Stopping cancer drug resistance by studying how tumors evolve in the body
Extending experimental evolutionary game theory in cancer in vivo to enable clinical translation: integrating spatio-temporal dynamics using mathematical modeling
This project combines lab and living-model experiments with mathematical models to find ways to keep targeted cancer drugs working longer for people whose tumors are driven by specific mutations.
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-11143202 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will measure how different cancer cell types interact and change when exposed to targeted therapies using lab-grown cells and living models, then use math to map those interactions over time and space. They built a new "evolutionary game" test in the lab and are now extending it into living systems to better mimic how tumors behave in the body. The team will link experimental results with mathematical simulations to predict which treatment plans may slow or prevent resistant cells from taking over. The goal is to turn those predictions into treatment ideas that could be tested in patients down the line.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers driven by activating mutations treated with or eligible for tyrosine kinase inhibitors would be the most relevant candidates for future participation or sample donation.
Not a fit: People whose cancers are not driven by kinase-activating mutations or who are not treated with targeted agents are less likely to see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help targeted cancer drugs work longer and lower the chance of relapse from drug-resistant tumor cells.
How similar studies have performed: There is a substantial theoretical and lab-based literature supporting evolutionary and game-theory approaches to resistance, but translating these methods into living models and clinical care is relatively new.
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.