Autoantibodies link scleroderma subtypes to cancer
Autoantibodies define scleroderma subgroups with distinct relationships to cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11197594
This work looks at autoantibodies in people with scleroderma to find antibody patterns that signal higher or lower risk of cancer near disease onset.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11197594 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I join, researchers will test my blood for different scleroderma-related autoantibodies and compare antibody patterns with cancer diagnoses in two well-characterized scleroderma groups. They will use past medical records and stored samples plus new samples to study whether certain antibodies or a broader antibody response appear before cancer shows up. The team will examine how antibody strength and variety relate to timing of cancer and to changes in scleroderma symptoms over time. Findings could help doctors decide who needs closer cancer monitoring.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), especially those near disease onset or with available autoantibody testing or stored samples, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without scleroderma or those whose care does not include antibody testing or access to the study cohorts are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify scleroderma patients at higher risk of cancer so they can get earlier or more targeted cancer screening and monitoring.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has already linked certain autoantibodies (for example anti-POLR3 and anti-Ro52) to cancers appearing near scleroderma onset, but many questions about timing and immune breadth remain unanswered.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHAH, AMI AALOK — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SHAH, AMI AALOK
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 below.