NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding how GNAS mutations affect cancer spread in the abdomen

Official title: Defining the role of GNAS in gastrointestinal metastasis

Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11053550 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how changes in a gene called GNAS affect gastrointestinal cancers that spread to the abdominal area, with the goal of finding out why these cancers are tough to treat and how we can improve treatments for patients facing this challenge.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$268,826
NIH project number5K08CA279922-03
Project IDNIH-11053550 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers, particularly those with GNAS mutations and peritoneal metastases.

Less likely to help

Patients without gastrointestinal cancers or those whose tumors do not have GNAS mutations may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of GNAS mutations in gastrointestinal cancers that spread to the peritoneal cavity, which is a common and serious complication. By analyzing tumor samples and using patient-derived organoids, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that enable these cancers to metastasize and resist chemotherapy. The researchers will explore how GNAS mutations influence specific signaling pathways that may contribute to tumor growth and spread. This work could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for patients with these aggressive cancers.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal cancers that have metastasized to the peritoneal cavity.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of genetic mutations in cancer metastasis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Foote, Michael — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
  • Study coordinator: Foote, Michael

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.