Understanding how certain cancers develop and how to treat them better
Official title: Project 1 - Epigenetic Control of Normal and Malignant Neuroendocrine Differentiation
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11016329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain tough-to-treat cancers, like small cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine prostate cancer, develop and change, with the hope of finding new ways to treat them by understanding the genes and factors involved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $588,058 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA295524-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors or those with treatment-resistant prostate cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neuroendocrine cancers or those without a diagnosis of prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind neuroendocrine differentiation in various difficult-to-treat cancers, such as small cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine prostate cancer. By examining the genetic and regulatory factors that influence these cancers, the project aims to uncover new treatment strategies that could be effective across different cancer types. The researchers have developed a novel human cellular model to study the normal development of neuroendocrine cells, which may provide insights into how these cells can become cancerous. The ultimate goal is to identify common pathways that can be targeted for therapy, regardless of the cancer's tissue origin.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with neuroendocrine cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting common pathways in neuroendocrine cancers, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shivdasani, Ramesh a — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Shivdasani, Ramesh a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Helping young people with cancer understand their genetic risks
This study is creating a special program to help teenagers and young adults with hereditary cancer risks learn about their health and make smart choices, while also supporting their families along the way.
-
Core administrative hub for a multifaceted cancer center program
A large, international cancer research program at Dana-Farber aims to advance a curative strategy for multiple myeloma by coordinating translational research, clinical trials, and data analysis.
-
Automated, interactive lab tool to define radiation targets in cancer care
Aims to make it easier and safer to outline the area to treat in radiation therapy for cancers by using smart software and a patient-friendly interface.
-
Cancer Atlas Network data hub to share big cancer data
A national project helps researchers store, harmonize, and share large cancer data collections so doctors and scientists can learn from many patients.
-
Bridge-building cancer research partnership for education, outreach, and science
A joint effort between UMass Boston and Harvard Cancer Consortium to accelerate cancer research and education by connecting lower-resourced institutions with a leading cancer center.
-
NexTGen: Next-Generation T cell therapy for childhood cancers
A charity-friendly overview: researchers at Dana-Farber are developing advanced engineered T-cell therapies to treat pediatric solid cancers like brain tumors and sarcomas.
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.