Understanding Circular DNA in Cancer Growth

Investigating the roles of oncogenic extrachromosomal circular DNAs in cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · NIH-11160595

This research explores how tiny circular pieces of DNA help cancer grow and become resistant to treatments, aiming to find new ways to fight advanced cancers.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11160595 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many cancers grow because certain genes are overactive, often due to extra copies of these genes. This project focuses on special circular DNA pieces, called ecDNAs, which carry these extra gene copies outside of the main chromosomes. These ecDNAs can make cancer cells grow faster, become resistant to drugs, and behave more aggressively. By studying how these ecDNAs form and function, we hope to better understand how they contribute to cancer's development and progression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with advanced cancers that show aggressive growth or drug resistance, potentially linked to these circular DNA changes, could ultimately benefit from future treatments developed from this research.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve these specific circular DNA mechanisms may not directly benefit from treatments based on this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for treating advanced cancers by targeting these circular DNA pieces.

How similar studies have performed: While the existence and general role of these circular DNAs in cancer are recognized, this project aims to answer key unanswered questions about their biology and dynamics, building on recent technological advances.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Advanced Cancer, Cancer Genes, Cancer cell line, Cancer-Promoting Gene

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.