Understanding how bladder cancer affects the immune system
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Bladder Cancer Immunometabolism
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11007268 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells and molecules in bladder cancer might be making it harder for the immune system to fight the disease, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $493,870 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269489-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007268 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with bladder cancer, particularly those whose tumors are resistant to current immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bladder cancers or those whose bladder cancer is already responding well to existing therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the immune suppression seen in bladder cancer. It focuses on the role of tumor-resident Schwann cells and specific long non-coding RNAs that may influence the tumor microenvironment and immune response. By exploring these interactions, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for bladder cancer patients. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies that can overcome the resistance of bladder cancer to existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy options for bladder cancer patients, improving their treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune suppression in other cancers, suggesting that this approach may also be effective for bladder cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Liuqing — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Yang, Liuqing
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Population modeling to reduce bladder cancer burden
Aimed at predicting and guiding effective, population-based ways to prevent and control bladder cancer.
-
Blocking a new immune checkpoint in bladder cancer
Researchers are trying medicines that block a newly found immune pathway to help people with bladder cancer, especially those whose tumors do not respond to current immunotherapy.
-
Nrf2 in T cells and how it could boost immune power against bladder cancer
A small grant will explore how a T-cell protein called Nrf2 affects muscle-invasive bladder cancer and whether targeting it could help patients respond better to immune therapies.
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Understanding why bladder cancer spreads and resists treatment
This grant studies how advanced bladder cancer changes and spreads across the body, aiming to uncover why it’s hard to treat.
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Molecular clues to bladder cancer cell changes and therapy response
This NIH grant looks at how bladder cancer cells change their identity and how that affects response to treatment, with a focus on aggressive neuroendocrine variants.
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Repurposing spironolactone to treat bladder cancer inside the bladder
Aims to repurpose spironolactone as an intravesical treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer to help prevent recurrence and progression.
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.