Sulindac and microRNA‑17: stopping spread of colon cancer
Official title: MiR-17 mediates sulindac anti-metastatic activity in human colorectal cancer
Funded at Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center · NIH-11237546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether the drug sulindac works through microRNA‑17 to help stop colorectal cancer from spreading in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005094-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11237546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people with colorectal cancer—especially those at risk for or with metastatic disease—and patients receiving care at VA medical centers.
✕Less likely to help
People without colorectal cancer or those who cannot take NSAIDs (like sulindac) are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers will study tumor tissue, blood samples, and laboratory models to see how sulindac affects a small genetic regulator called miR‑17. They will use cell and animal experiments alongside analysis of human samples to track cancer growth and spread. The team plans to connect findings in the lab with data from Veterans Affairs patients to understand real‑world relevance. Results may point to better ways to use an existing drug to lower the chance of metastasis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to slow or prevent metastatic colorectal cancer using a drug already in clinical use.
How similar studies have gone: NSAIDs including sulindac have shown success reducing polyps and lowering colorectal cancer risk, but linking sulindac's anti‑metastatic effects specifically to miR‑17 is a newer, experimental idea.
Where this research is happening
-
Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xi, Yaguang — Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Xi, Yaguang
Related research
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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.