Using noninvasive tests to improve cancer treatment
Official title: Translation of Noninvasive Metabolic Biomarkers to Targeted Therapy for Cancer
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11006303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to find out how cancer cells change their energy use, so doctors can create more personalized and effective treatments for cancer patients based on their individual needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 8, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $227,906 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA280523-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006303 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma or other cancers that exhibit the Warburg effect.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not exhibit metabolic alterations or are not responsive to targeted therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying noninvasive metabolic biomarkers that can help tailor targeted therapies for cancer patients. By analyzing how cancer cells alter their metabolism, particularly through a process known as the Warburg effect, the study aims to develop treatments that specifically address these metabolic changes. The approach involves monitoring levels of certain metabolites, like lactate and alanine, to determine the effectiveness of therapies that inhibit specific cancer-related proteins. Patients may benefit from more personalized and effective treatment options based on their unique metabolic profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized cancer therapies that improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using metabolic biomarkers to guide cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nath, Kavindra — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Nath, Kavindra
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Integrative histo-genomic analysis to guide cancer risk and targeted therapies with interpretable AI
Researchers are developing an advanced AI-powered approach to map genetic and cellular patterns across breast and cervical cancers to help tailor treatments.
-
Targeted therapy for AML using DHODH inhibitors to boost differentiation and immune response
Aims to help adults with acute myeloid leukemia by using a special drug approach that makes cancer cells act more like normal blood cells and supports the immune system.
-
Adipome biomarkers in obese TNBC mice for targeted therapy
A study in mice explores how fat-derived particles called adipomes influence an aggressive breast cancer type, with the goal of guiding personalized therapies.
-
Enhancing HER2-targeted therapy for resistant breast cancer
This grant explores new ways to overcome resistance to HER2-targeted therapy in people with HER2-positive breast cancer.
-
Metabolic imaging to guide targeted therapy for liver cancer
A clinician-scientist at UPenn is pursuing training to use metabolic imaging to tailor therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
-
Targeted therapy for splicing-factor mutant myeloid cancers
Aims to test a dual drug strategy targeting ATR and PARP pathways in adults with splicing-factor mutant acute myeloid leukemia or related myeloid diseases.
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.