Cancer immunotherapy–related blood clots: what we’re learning in mice and people
Official title: Mechanisms of cancer immunotherapy-associated thrombosis
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11309103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying why some cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors develop dangerous blood clots and how this could be prevented or treated.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $706,323 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164516-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with cancer who are or may be treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and are at risk for thrombosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving ICIs or without risk factors for thrombosis may have less direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a mouse model to explore how cancer and immune checkpoint therapy together promote blood clotting. It looks at the role of tumor-related changes, such as tissue factor, after treatment with ICIs like PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors. The goal is to uncover mechanisms behind ICI-associated thrombosis and identify targets for prevention or therapy that could help cancer patients safely stay on immunotherapy. Findings could guide future clinical approaches to reduce clot risk in people receiving ICIs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to strategies that prevent or lessen blood clots in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, helping safer cancer care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests a link between cancer, ICIs, and clotting, but detailed mechanisms in this area remain to be clarified and this study aims to strengthen that understanding.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccrae, Keith R. — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Mccrae, Keith R.
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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.