Understanding how radiation exposure leads to esophageal cancer
Official title: Mechanistic understanding of role of ATF2 signaling in radiation-induced esophageal cancer
Funded at University of Nevada Las Vegas · NIH-11060975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how radiation can lead to a serious type of throat cancer and is exploring a specific protein that might help us understand this process better, with the hope of finding ways to predict cancer risk and improve treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Las Vegas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Las Vegas, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $136,200 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM153540-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of therapeutic radiation exposure and those at risk for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to radiation or do not have a predisposition to esophageal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which radiation exposure can lead to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), a particularly deadly form of cancer. The study focuses on the role of a protein called ATF2 and its involvement in stress signaling and the process of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which are critical in cancer development. By analyzing how these pathways interact after radiation exposure, the research aims to identify potential biomarkers that could help predict cancer risk and improve treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how radiation affects cancer risk and the development of targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for esophageal cancer in patients who have undergone radiation therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of cancer development related to radiation exposure, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pluth, Janice M — University of Nevada Las Vegas
- Study coordinator: Pluth, Janice M
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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.