Targeting a protein to treat aggressive neuroendocrine cancers
Official title: Project 3 - INSM1, A Candidate Therapeutic Target in High-Grade Neuroendocrine Carcinomas
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11016331 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $809,684 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA295524-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016331 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, or neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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.