Understanding and treating colon toxicity from cancer immunotherapy
Official title: Pathway-guided treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy-induced colon toxicity
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10894831 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into the side effects of certain cancer treatments that can cause serious inflammation in the colon, called ICI-colitis, to find better ways to help patients feel better while still getting their cancer care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $630,790 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284640-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894831 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors who are experiencing symptoms of ICI-colitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors or those without symptoms of ICI-colitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the adverse effects caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors, specifically focusing on a condition known as ICI-colitis, which is a severe inflammation of the colon. The study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this condition to develop more effective treatment strategies. By analyzing colon biopsies from patients experiencing ICI-colitis, the researchers hope to identify specific molecular and cellular pathways involved in this adverse effect. This could lead to tailored treatments that minimize complications and improve patient outcomes while allowing continued cancer therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management of colon toxicity in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy, allowing them to continue their treatment with fewer interruptions.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach to understanding ICI-colitis is novel, similar research into immune-related adverse effects has shown promise in improving patient outcomes in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Jennifer D — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Wu, Jennifer D
Related research
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Immunologic and Antigenic Drivers of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Associated Heart Inflammation
A doctor-scientist team is studying why cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint drugs sometimes develop dangerous heart inflammation and what immune targets cause it.
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Pathway-guided treatment of colon toxicity from immune checkpoint inhibitors
A patient-focused look at a study that aims to understand and improve how immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy causes colon inflammation and how to treat it more effectively.
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.