NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how bladder cancer cells resist platinum chemotherapy

Official title: Dissecting Integrated Cellular Programs Promoting Platinum Resistance and Progression in Bladder Cancer

Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11036376 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into how bladder cancer cells become resistant to a common chemotherapy treatment, with the goal of finding new ways to help improve outcomes for patients battling this disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$725,117
NIH project number5R01CA279221-02
Project IDNIH-11036376 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive or metastatic bladder cancer who are undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer or those who are not receiving platinum-based chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which bladder cancer cells develop resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy, a common treatment for muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer. The team will use advanced laboratory models and patient-derived data to explore how changes in the cancer cells and their interactions with immune cells contribute to this resistance. By analyzing these cellular processes, the research aims to identify potential targets for improving treatment outcomes for patients with bladder cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for bladder cancer patients who currently do not respond well to platinum chemotherapy.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer resistance mechanisms, indicating that this approach has the potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Van Allen, Eliezer M — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
  • Study coordinator: Van Allen, Eliezer M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.