Understanding how rectal cancer changes during treatment to find new ways to fight it
Harnessing treatment-induced tumor evolution and collateral sensitivities using a human rectal cancer co-clinical platform
This work explores how rectal cancer cells adapt to chemotherapy and radiation, aiming to discover new treatment strategies for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171520 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many patients with locally advanced rectal cancer receive chemotherapy and radiation before surgery, but some tumors respond well while others do not. This project looks closely at how cancer cells evolve during initial treatments, which can make them resistant to current therapies. We hope to find 'collateral sensitivities,' where resistance to one treatment makes the cancer vulnerable to another. By understanding these changes, we aim to develop new approaches that could improve treatment outcomes and potentially help patients avoid surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer who are undergoing or considering standard chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage rectal cancer or those not undergoing chemotherapy and radiation may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for rectal cancer, potentially reducing the need for extensive surgery and improving patient quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: The concept of treatment-induced collateral sensitivities has shown promise in other cancers, suggesting a potential pathway for success in rectal cancer.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eyler, Christine Elissa — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Eyler, Christine Elissa
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.