Targeting a protein to treat aggressive neuroendocrine cancers
Project 3 - INSM1, A Candidate Therapeutic Target in High-Grade Neuroendocrine Carcinomas
This study is looking at a protein called INSM1 to see if it can be targeted with new drugs to help treat aggressive cancers like small cell lung cancer and Merkel cell carcinoma, aiming to find better options for patients who currently have limited treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11016331 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas, such as small cell lung cancer and Merkel cell carcinoma, which currently lack effective targeted therapies. The team aims to investigate the role of a protein called INSM1, which is crucial for the survival and differentiation of these cancer cells. By exploring how INSM1 can be targeted with specific drugs, the research seeks to develop new treatment options for patients suffering from these aggressive cancers. The approach combines genetic studies and pharmacological testing to understand the potential of INSM1 as a therapeutic target.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, or neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those without high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies for patients with high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar proteins in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Decaprio, James a. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Decaprio, James a.
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.