Targeting abnormal tumor blood vessels
Identifying and exploiting molecular abnormalities of tumor vasculature
This project looks for special molecular features of tumor blood vessels to help improve treatment delivery for adults with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11302710 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze gene activity from tens of thousands of human tumor and normal tissue samples to find molecular markers that are unique to tumor blood vessels. They will validate promising markers by examining patient tumor samples under the microscope and testing how the markers function in laboratory assays. The team will then test whether blocking ENPEP, a marker found in glioblastoma blood vessels, changes tumor growth and survival in mouse models. The goal is to develop biomarkers or targets that help existing or new therapies reach tumors more effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with cancer—especially people with glioblastoma or those who can provide tumor tissue samples—would be the most relevant candidates to donate samples or be considered for future trials.
Not a fit: People without cancer, or whose tumors do not rely on abnormal blood vessels, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests and treatments that help drugs get into tumors more effectively, improving outcomes for cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Anti-angiogenic drugs have had mixed results clinically, so using molecular markers to target tumor vessels is a promising but still emerging strategy.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oldham, Michael Clark — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Oldham, Michael Clark
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.