Understanding how the immune system responds to certain cancer treatments

An RNA-Dependent Innate Immune Response Pathway to Base-Damaging Chemotherapeutics

['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11056866

This study looks at how the body's natural defense system responds to certain cancer treatments, specifically focusing on how damage to RNA affects this response, with the goal of finding better ways to help patients during chemotherapy.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11056866 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the innate immune system reacts to alkylating agents, which are commonly used in cancer chemotherapy. It focuses on the role of RNA damage and the signaling pathways activated in response to these treatments. By studying the mechanisms involved, including the role of specific proteins and RNA processing, the research aims to uncover how these immune responses can influence cancer cell survival and death. This could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing treatment with alkylating agents for various types of cancer.

Not a fit: Patients not receiving alkylating agents or those with non-cancerous conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy by leveraging the immune response to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to cancer therapies, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer therapy, cancer chemotherapy, cancer therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.