Understanding how PARP inhibitors affect the immune system and cancer treatment

Transcriptomic mechanisms underlying the immune modulating function and therapeutic efficacy of PARP inhibitors

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10894297

This study is looking at how PARP inhibitors, a type of cancer treatment, affect the immune system and why some patients respond better to them than others, with the hope of finding ways to make these treatments even more effective for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10894297 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how PARP inhibitors, which are used to treat certain cancers, influence the immune system and their effectiveness in therapy. By analyzing the genetic changes in tumor cells and the surrounding immune environment using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to the varying responses to treatment among patients. The goal is to improve the understanding of how these drugs work beyond their known effects on specific genetic mutations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with ovarian cancer or breast and pancreatic cancers associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

Not a fit: Patients without BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or those with cancers not responsive to PARP inhibitors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by identifying new ways to enhance the immune response in patients receiving PARP inhibitors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with PARP inhibitors in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, suggesting potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.