System-focused approaches to treating advanced cancers
Center for Cancer Systems Therapeutics (CaST)
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11181162
This project develops computer and lab methods to find new drug targets and treatment strategies for people with aggressive, treatment-resistant cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11181162 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The Center combines advanced computer modeling and laboratory experiments, including 3D structural information and multiple types of molecular data, to map how different cancer cells and nearby normal cells interact. Researchers build detailed, cell-type specific interaction networks from patient tumors and models to reveal shared vulnerabilities across diverse tumors. The team uses these networks to prioritize potential drug targets and to design experiments that test those targets in the lab. The work links computational predictions with experimental validation to speed discovery of therapies for hard-to-treat cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced, treatment-resistant cancers, especially those whose tumors lack clear actionable mutations or who do not respond to immunotherapy, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers well controlled by standard treatments are unlikely to see direct benefits from this Center's findings in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new treatment targets that benefit many people with aggressive or drug-resistant cancers.
How similar studies have performed: This builds on prior network-based and multi-omics research that has shown promise in finding novel targets, but the approach is still emerging and needs further validation.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CALIFANO, ANDREA — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: CALIFANO, ANDREA
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.
Conditions: Advanced Cancer, Cancer Center