Understanding and targeting complex interactions in aggressive cancers
Official title: Center for Cancer Systems Therapeutics (CaST)
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10931548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the tough challenges faced by patients with aggressive cancers that don’t respond well to current treatments, and it hopes to find new ways to target these cancers by understanding how they work at a molecular level, which could lead to better treatment options just for you.
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) | $1,736,052 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA274506-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancers that exhibit tumor heterogeneity and lack actionable mutations.
✕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 the challenges faced by patients with aggressive cancers that lack actionable mutations and show poor responses to existing therapies. It aims to identify universal targets for treatment by analyzing the intricate molecular interactions within tumors and their surrounding environments. By utilizing advanced computational methods and experimental technologies, including 3D structural analysis and multi-omics approaches, the project seeks to develop more effective therapeutic strategies for heterogeneous tumors. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatment options tailored to their specific cancer profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with aggressive cancers that currently have limited options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using network-based methodologies to understand cancer biology, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
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.