Understanding how circular DNA affects cancer growth and treatment resistance
Official title: eDyNAmiC (extrachromosomal DNA in Cancer) - Understanding the biology of ecDNA generation and action, and developing new ways to target these mechanisms in cancer
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11128010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of DNA found in cancer cells that helps them grow and resist treatment, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how these DNA pieces work so we can find better ways to fight cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $166,232 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA301085-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients whose tumors contain extrachromosomal DNA, which is present in nearly half of all human cancer types.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve ecDNA may not benefit from the findings of this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer, focusing on how these circular DNA structures allow tumor-promoting genes to escape normal chromosomal control. By studying the mechanisms of ecDNA generation and action, the research aims to uncover how these DNA pieces contribute to aggressive tumor behavior and treatment resistance. The approach includes advanced sequencing techniques to analyze ecDNA in various cancer types, providing insights into their biology and potential vulnerabilities. Ultimately, the goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting these unique features of cancer cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that specifically target ecDNA-driven cancers, improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of ecDNA has been recognized for decades, this research is pioneering in its comprehensive approach to understanding and targeting these mechanisms in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
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Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ventura, Andrea — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Ventura, Andrea
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.