Targeting fatty acid metabolism to treat colon cancer
Official title: Fatty Acid Synthase as a Novel Molecular Target for Colon Cancer Treatment
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11039999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fat processing in the body affects colon cancer and is testing new medications that target a specific enzyme to help improve treatment for people with colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $402,968 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284532-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039999 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with resectable colon cancer who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced or metastatic colon cancer who are not eligible for surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of fatty acid metabolism in colon cancer and how it contributes to tumor growth and treatment resistance. The study focuses on a key enzyme, fatty acid synthase (FASN), which is crucial for cancer cell survival and proliferation. Researchers are developing and testing new small molecule inhibitors that specifically target FASN, aiming to improve treatment outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer. The approach includes clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these inhibitors in patients with resectable colon cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for colon cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting fatty acid metabolism in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Tianyan — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Gao, Tianyan
Related research
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How DNA methylation patterns are kept in colon cancer and what happens when they’re disrupted
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-
Biomarker discovery in colon cancer with advanced metabolomics
A new project will use advanced chemical analysis to find blood- and tissue-based markers that indicate colon cancer and its progression.
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.