Using novobiocin to target specific cancer cells that struggle with DNA repair

Novobiocin-mediated polymerase theta inhibition in homologous recombination repair-deficient cancers

['FUNDING_R01'] · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · NIH-10919237

This study is looking at how a medicine called novobiocin can help fight certain types of cancer, especially those with BRCA mutations, by blocking a protein that helps cancer cells fix their DNA, and it will also see if using it together with another treatment, talazoparib, can be more effective in killing stubborn cancer cells.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDANA-FARBER CANCER INST (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10919237 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how novobiocin, an antibiotic, can inhibit polymerase theta, a protein that helps certain cancer cells repair their DNA. The focus is on cancers that are deficient in homologous recombination repair, such as those with BRCA mutations. By using advanced cancer models, including patient-derived xenografts, the research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of novobiocin alone and in combination with another treatment called talazoparib. The goal is to understand how these treatments can selectively kill cancer cells that are resistant to other therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with BRCA-mutant breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancers, particularly those who have developed resistance to PARP inhibitors.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not have homologous recombination repair deficiencies or those who are not BRCA-mutant may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients with specific types of advanced cancers that are currently difficult to treat.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results using similar approaches to target DNA repair mechanisms in cancer cells, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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: Advanced Cancer

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.