Understanding how cancer cells use extrachromosomal DNA to grow and resist treatment
Official title: eDyNAmiC - CAMBRIDGE
Funded at University of Cambridge · NIH-10625637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special pieces of DNA called ecDNA help some cancers grow faster and resist treatment, with the hope of finding new ways to help patients with tough-to-treat tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cambridge NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United Kingdom) |
| Project start | June 28, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $304,426 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA278682-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10625637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients whose tumors contain extrachromosomal DNA, which is present in nearly half of all cancer types.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve extrachromosomal DNA may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer, focusing on how these circular DNA pieces allow tumors to grow aggressively and evade treatments. By studying the mechanisms of ecDNA formation, function, and regulation, the research aims to uncover why cancers with ecDNA are particularly difficult to treat. The interdisciplinary team will explore how these unique DNA structures contribute to tumor evolution and resistance, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for patients with aggressive cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that specifically target cancers with extrachromosomal DNA, improving survival rates for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of extrachromosomal DNA has been recognized for decades, this research is pioneering in its comprehensive approach to understanding its implications in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cambridge
Cambridge, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nik-Zainal, Serena — University of Cambridge
- Study coordinator: Nik-Zainal, Serena
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.