Understanding and treating a specific type of esophageal cancer with high NRF2 levels
Official title: Mechanisms and Targeted Therapy of NRF2-high Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Funded at Coriell Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11006288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific type of esophageal cancer that has high levels of a protein called NRF2, which might help the cancer grow, and the researchers want to find ways to block this protein to create better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Coriell Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Camden, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2020 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $556,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA244236-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma exhibiting high levels of NRF2 activation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of esophageal cancer or those without NRF2 hyperactivation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) that has high levels of NRF2, a protein that may drive cancer growth. The team will use genetic and pharmacological methods to explore how NRF2 is activated and how it interacts with other cellular pathways. By identifying the mechanisms behind this hyperactivation, they aim to develop targeted therapies that could inhibit NRF2 and improve treatment outcomes for patients with this aggressive cancer. The research includes testing small molecule inhibitors that could potentially be used in clinical settings if proven effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies that improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with NRF2-high ESCC.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Coriell Institute for Medical Research
Camden, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Xiaoxin Luke — Coriell Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Chen, Xiaoxin Luke
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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.