Targeting tumor subpopulations based on drug mechanisms
Official title: Drug Mechanism of Action-based targeting of tumor subpopulations
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11171866 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better ways to treat tough types of cancer that don’t respond well to current treatments by figuring out how different cancer cells work and interact, so we can find new targets for therapy that could help more patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $429,473 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA274506-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11171866 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with aggressive cancers that do not have pharmacologically actionable mutations and who have not responded well to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers or those with well-defined actionable mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to effectively target different subpopulations of cancer cells that exhibit resistance to current therapies. By analyzing the mechanisms of action of various drugs, the study aims to identify universal targets that can be used to combat the heterogeneity of tumors. It utilizes advanced cellular models and single-cell analyses to understand the interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding environment, which can influence treatment outcomes. The goal is to improve the effectiveness of therapies for patients with aggressive cancers that lack actionable mutations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for patients with aggressive cancers, potentially improving their survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Califano, Andrea — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Califano, Andrea
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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.