Understanding how certain cancer mutations evade the immune system
Official title: Deciphering the Immune Evasion Mechanisms in Mutant IDH1 Cancer
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10984626 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a specific gene can lead to a type of liver cancer by affecting the immune system, and it's using a special mouse model to find ways to boost the body's ability to fight this cancer, which could help improve treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,029 |
| NIH project number | 1K22CA288784-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984626 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who have mutations in the IDH1 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without IDH1 mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mutations in the IDH1 gene contribute to the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) by producing a substance that disrupts normal immune responses. Using a specially designed mouse model that mimics human cancer, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these mutations create an environment that suppresses the body's immune system, particularly affecting T cells that fight tumors. The goal is to identify ways to enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve treatment outcomes for patients with this type of cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the immune response against bile duct cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune evasion mechanisms in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Meng-Ju — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Wu, Meng-Ju
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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.