Understanding how radiation therapy affects tumors and their environment
Analysis of the Irradiated Tumor and Tumor Microenvironment
This study is looking at how radiation therapy affects tumors and their surroundings, especially in patients with resectable colorectal cancer, to better understand how it can help the immune system fight cancer and improve treatment outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10930023 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between tumors and their surrounding microenvironment, particularly focusing on how radiation therapy (RT) influences these dynamics. It aims to understand how RT leads to cell death or permanent inactivity in tumor cells and how these changes affect the immune response. By examining the roles of genomic instability, oxygen levels, and microbial components, the study seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms that determine patient outcomes after RT. Patients with resectable colorectal cancer may benefit from insights gained about how RT alters interactions between cancer cells, normal cells, immune cells, and the tumor microbiome.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with resectable colorectal cancer who are scheduled to receive radiation therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with non-resectable colorectal cancer or those not undergoing radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for colorectal cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant research in radiation biology, this specific approach to understanding tumor-immune interactions in the context of colorectal cancer and RT is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Montagna, Cristina — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Montagna, Cristina
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 below.