Using cancer-specific factors to deliver targeted therapies in tumors
Official title: Exploiting Lineage-Specific Dependencies in Solid Tumors: Using Transcription Factors to Drive Therapeutic Effect In Situ
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11036362 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help cancer cells, especially in lung cancer, create their own treatments by using special tools that target specific proteins in those cells, with hopes of making cancer therapies more precise and effective for different types of cancer like breast, prostate, and melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $176,481 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA288787-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036362 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with specific types of cancer, particularly those with high expression of lineage-specific transcription factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not exhibit the targeted transcription factors or those with advanced disease stages may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain cancer cells can be manipulated to produce their own anti-cancer therapies by targeting specific transcription factors that are overexpressed in those cells. The approach involves designing synthetic promoters that respond to these transcription factors, allowing for localized drug delivery directly within the tumor. The initial focus will be on lung cancer, but the research aims to extend to various other cancer types, including breast, prostate, and melanoma. By utilizing a gene therapy strategy, the goal is to enhance the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted cancer therapies that minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using gene therapy strategies for cancer treatment, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wrangle, John M. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Wrangle, John 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.