Understanding how cancer cells use extrachromosomal DNA to grow and resist treatment
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This study is looking at how a special type of DNA called ecDNA helps some cancers grow faster and resist treatments, with the goal of finding new ways to help patients with these tough-to-treat tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10625650 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer, focusing on how these circular DNA structures allow tumors to grow aggressively and evade treatments. By studying the mechanisms of ecDNA formation, function, and evolution, the research aims to uncover new ways to target these aggressive cancers. The interdisciplinary team will analyze various cancer types to understand how ecDNA affects gene regulation and immune response, ultimately seeking to improve treatment outcomes for patients with ecDNA-containing tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients whose tumors contain extrachromosomal DNA, which is present in nearly half of all human cancer types.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve extrachromosomal DNA may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for aggressive cancers that harbor ecDNA, potentially improving survival rates for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of ecDNA has been recognized for decades, recent advancements in understanding its role in cancer suggest that this research could provide novel insights and approaches to treatment.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Zhijian J — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Chen, Zhijian J
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 below.