A platform to study the progression of adrenocortical carcinoma using a biosensor.
Official title: A matrix metalloproteinase biosensor-functionalized metastasis-on-a-chip platform for evaluating adrenocortical carcinoma progression
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10756520 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool to help researchers learn more about adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a tough cancer to treat, by creating a special setup that mimics how the cancer cells behave and interact with their surroundings, which could lead to finding better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 21, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $206,689 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA277083-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10756520 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma, particularly those with metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without a diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel biosensor platform to better understand the progression of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a highly aggressive cancer with limited treatment options. By utilizing a metastasis-on-a-chip approach, the study aims to evaluate the complex biological behaviors of ACC cells, including their movement and interaction with surrounding tissues. The methodology involves creating a microenvironment that mimics the tumor's characteristics, allowing researchers to identify new therapeutic targets and potential interventions. This innovative approach seeks to overcome the limitations of current preclinical models that fail to accurately represent the disease's heterogeneity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the identification of new treatment strategies for patients with adrenocortical carcinoma, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research into cancer biosensing technologies, this specific approach to studying adrenocortical carcinoma is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skardal, Aleksander — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Skardal, Aleksander
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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.