Understanding how cells in esophageal cancer resist treatment
Official title: Elucidating Novel APE1 Redox-Dependent Functions in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11127390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how certain cells in esophageal cancer become resistant to treatment and survive, especially in people with Barrett's esophagus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $414,011 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA268991-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational work is relevant to patients with Barrett's esophagus or esophageal adenocarcinoma, as it seeks to understand the disease at a cellular level.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Barrett's esophagus or esophageal adenocarcinoma would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer, has become more common, often starting from a condition called Barrett's esophagus. This condition can develop from long-term acid reflux, which causes inflammation and stress in the esophagus. Our team is looking into how cancer cells in the esophagus manage to survive this stress and become resistant to current medications. We are focusing on a specific protein called APE1 and how its activity helps these cancer cells grow and spread.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to overcome treatment resistance in esophageal adenocarcinoma and improve outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work by this team and others has shown that chronic exposure to acidic bile salts increases oxidative stress, which is a known factor in the development of esophageal cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Rifai, Wael — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: El-Rifai, Wael
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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.