Understanding how certain cancer cells resist treatment in gastrointestinal cancers
A novel, transferable sialylation-mediated mechanism of chemoradioresistance in GI cancer
This study is looking into why some patients with rectal cancer don’t respond well to their treatment, focusing on a specific enzyme that might help cancer cells survive, and it aims to find new ways to make treatments more effective for those patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11007192 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind why some gastrointestinal cancer patients, particularly those with rectal cancer, do not respond well to chemoradiation therapy. The focus is on a specific enzyme called ST6Gal-1, which is found in resistant cancer cell sub-clones. By studying how this enzyme affects cancer cell survival and resistance, the researchers aim to uncover new ways to improve treatment outcomes. The study will also explore how cancer cells communicate resistance through tiny particles called extracellular vesicles.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with rectal cancer who have experienced poor responses to chemoradiation therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with gastrointestinal cancers who have not undergone chemoradiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with gastrointestinal cancers, potentially increasing their chances of recovery.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of ST6Gal-1 in chemoradiation resistance is novel, similar studies have shown that targeting cancer cell mechanisms can lead to improved treatment outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hardiman, Karin Marie — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Hardiman, Karin Marie
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.