Understanding how cancer cells adapt to stress

Attacking stress tolerance in cancer

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10918081

This study is looking at how cancer cells handle tough situations, like not getting enough oxygen or nutrients, and it focuses on a protein that helps them survive treatment; by understanding this better, the researchers hope to find new ways to make cancer treatments more effective for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10918081 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how cancer cells respond to various stressors, such as low oxygen levels and nutrient shortages, which can occur during treatment. It focuses on a specific protein, integrin αvβ3, that helps tumor cells survive and become resistant to therapies. By studying how this protein is activated in different types of tumors, the research aims to uncover new ways to target and disrupt these survival mechanisms. The ultimate goal is to develop therapies that can prevent cancer progression and improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with various types of cancer who may be experiencing treatment resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors do not express integrin αvβ3 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that make cancer cells more vulnerable to existing therapies, potentially improving patient survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways in cancer cells, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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.
Conditions Anti-Cancer AgentsBasic Cancer ResearchCancer DrugCancer TreatmentCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.