Understanding how extrachromosomal DNA evolves in tumors
Official title: Quantitative modeling of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) evolution in tumors
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11004093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of DNA found in cancer cells to understand how it helps tumors grow, resist treatments, and spread, with the goal of finding better ways to predict and treat cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $167,508 |
| NIH project number | 5K99CA286968-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004093 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer, particularly those exhibiting drug resistance or aggressive tumor behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers that do not exhibit drug resistance or significant tumor evolution may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in cancer evolution, focusing on how these unique DNA structures contribute to tumor growth, drug resistance, and metastasis. By employing advanced molecular and computational tools, the study aims to profile the heterogeneity of ecDNA within tumors, which could lead to better predictions of tumor behavior and more effective treatment strategies. The research seeks to uncover the dynamics of ecDNA during cell division and its interactions within tumor cells, providing insights into cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments by enhancing our understanding of tumor evolution and drug resistance mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tumor evolution and drug resistance, but the specific focus on ecDNA dynamics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Matthew Gregory — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Jones, Matthew Gregory
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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.