Targeting cancer cell states to prevent drug resistance
Cell State Network-Directed Therapy
['FUNDING_U01'] · CLEMSON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11195613
This project aims to steer cancer cells into drug-sensitive states so people with cancer can get better, longer-lasting responses to available treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CLEMSON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CLEMSON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11195613 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will map the different molecular states cancer cells can occupy and how cells switch between those states. They will build computer models that predict how tumor cell populations respond to combinations, doses, and timing of anti-cancer drugs. Promising drug combinations will be tested in laboratory tumor models that capture real tumor behavior. The goal is to find treatment strategies that keep tumors in states that remain sensitive to therapy and limit transitions to resistant states.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with cancers treated by systemic therapies who have experienced or are at high risk of developing drug resistance.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not show cell-state plasticity or who need immediate changes in clinical care are unlikely to see direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make existing cancer drugs work longer and reduce the chance that tumors become resistant.
How similar studies have performed: Approaches that target cell states and use computational prediction have shown promise in lab and preclinical models but have limited clinical proof-of-concept so far.
Where this research is happening
CLEMSON, UNITED STATES
- CLEMSON UNIVERSITY — CLEMSON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BIRTWISTLE, MARC R. — CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BIRTWISTLE, MARC R.
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: Anti-Cancer Agents