Understanding how radiation therapy affects cervical and pancreas tumors
Official title: METEOR-BioLogical Specimen Translation (METEOR-BLST)
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10912708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how radiation therapy affects cervical and pancreas tumors at different stages, using blood and tumor samples to find out why some cancer cells might survive treatment, with the goal of improving care for patients with these cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $386,855 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA274318-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912708 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with cervical or pancreas tumors who are undergoing or have undergone radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tumors not located in the cervix or pancreas, or those who are not receiving radiation therapy, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the molecular characterization of cervical and pancreas tumor specimens at various stages: before, during, and after radiation therapy. By analyzing tumor and blood samples, the project aims to understand how standard chemo-radiation therapy alters the tumor microenvironment, potentially leading to the survival of resistant tumor cells. The research employs advanced techniques such as RNA sequencing, protein mass spectrometry, and spatial metabolomics to gather comprehensive data. This information will help in developing better treatment strategies for patients with these types of cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment approaches for cervical and pancreas cancers, enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using molecular characterization techniques to improve cancer treatment strategies, indicating that this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Major, Michael Benjamin — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Major, Michael Benjamin
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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.