Targeting a cancer cell enzyme to improve radiation therapy effectiveness
Official title: PAIRS: Validating telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) as an intrinsic vulnerability toward sensitizing cancer to radiation
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10846712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a safe drug that blocks a specific enzyme in cancer cells can make tumors more sensitive to radiation therapy, with the hope of improving treatment results for cancer patients while protecting healthy tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $437,187 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282781-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10846712 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that exhibit high levels of TERT expression and are undergoing radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancers do not express TERT or those not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how inhibiting telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), an enzyme often active in cancer cells, can make tumors more susceptible to radiation therapy. The approach aims to use a non-toxic drug to block TERT, which is crucial for cancer cell survival and growth, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of radiation treatment. By focusing on the unique characteristics of cancer cells, the study seeks to minimize damage to normal tissues while maximizing the impact on tumors. The ultimate goal is to translate these findings into clinical applications that improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective radiation therapies for cancer patients, potentially improving survival rates and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting TERT in laboratory settings, but this approach is still being validated in clinical contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kron, Stephen J. — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kron, Stephen J.
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.