NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Targeting CCL20 and CCR6 in Colorectal Cancer

Official title: Targeting CCL20-CCR6 Interactions in Colorectal Cancer

Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-11310757 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A patient-focused look at a study exploring whether blocking a specific chemical signal (CCL20-CCR6) can slow colorectal cancer growth and spread.

More Colorectal Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Boston Health Care System
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2018
Project endMarch 31, 2029
Funding year2027
NIH project number5I01BX003771-06
Project IDNIH-11310757 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates are adults with colorectal cancer who are eligible for ongoing or additional cancer therapies and who can participate in research evaluations.

Less likely to help

Patients whose cancer biology does not rely on the CCL20-CCR6 pathway or who cannot participate in the trial due to health or safety reasons may not benefit.

What this research studies

This research tests a new approach in colorectal cancer by interrupting the CCL20-CCR6 communication that may help tumors grow. It builds on lab and animal data suggesting that stopping this signal could reduce tumor cell movement, growth, and invasive behavior. The goal is to learn how this strategy might fit with existing treatments in patients whose health allows more intensive therapy. The study is conducted at VA Boston Health Care System, led by Dr. Jason Samuel Gold and colleagues.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new therapies that slow colorectal cancer and improve outcomes for patients with advanced disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous preclinical work supports this pathway, but human data are limited, making this an important but early step.

Where this research is happening

  • VA Boston Health Care System
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gold, Jason Samuel — VA Boston Health Care System
  • Study coordinator: Gold, Jason Samuel

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.

    This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.

    NIH research Research Triangle Institute · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-9627071

  • Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study

    A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11590756

  • Ceramides and how they affect metabolism and colorectal cancer in adults

    A study in adults with obesity-related health issues will explore how a fat-related molecule called ceramide influences metabolic problems and colorectal cancer risk.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11535283

  • Automated point-of-care DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer in LMICs

    A fast, affordable blood test using DNA markers to help identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11531863

  • Rewiring Colorectal Cancer to Harness Therapeutic Hyperactivation

    A Yale team is exploring brain-storming new ways to treat colorectal cancer by safely boosting certain cancer signaling pathways to kill cancer cells and by reshaping cancer cell states to improve responses to existing therapies.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11505210

  • Comparative modeling to guide colorectal cancer screening and care

    A researcher team will use computer models to study how access to care, risk, and new screening options affect colorectal cancer outcomes and costs for adults in the US.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11495363

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.