NIH-funded research R01 grant

Using tiny carriers to improve cancer treatment with specific drugs

Official title: Ultra-Small Epigenetic-Regulating Nanocarrier for Enhanced Synthetic Lethal Therapy

Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10979025 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a new way to make cancer treatments work better by using a special drug and tiny carriers to deliver it right to tumors, which could help boost the body's immune response and offer new options for people with different types of cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project startJuly 9, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$362,741
NIH project number1R01CA287091-01A1
Project IDNIH-10979025 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors, especially those with BRCA mutations or homologous recombination repair deficiencies.

Less likely to help

Patients with cancers that are not solid tumors or those who do not have the specific genetic mutations targeted by this therapy may not benefit.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of cancer therapies by combining a drug called 5-azacytidine with PARP inhibitors, which are particularly effective for certain types of cancer. The approach involves developing ultra-small nanocarriers that can deliver these drugs directly to tumors, improving their bioavailability and therapeutic impact. By targeting tumors more effectively, the research aims to increase the immune response against cancer cells and potentially create new treatment options for patients with various cancer types.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments for patients, particularly those with tumors that are currently difficult to treat.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with similar combination therapies, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Nebraska Medical Center
    Omaha, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sun, Jingjing — University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Sun, Jingjing

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.