Creating lab models of testicular cancer precursors using stem cells.
Official title: Reconstituting human testicular germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) in vitro using iPSC-derived primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) and genetically engineered human testicular cancer cells
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11062715 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how testicular cancer starts by creating lab models using special cells from patients, which will help researchers learn more about the disease and find better ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 7, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $231,413 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA290650-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062715 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adult men with a history of testicular cancer or those at high risk for developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with testicular cancer who are already undergoing treatment may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to better understand testicular cancer by creating in vitro models that mimic the early stages of cancer development from primordial germ cells. Researchers will use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from testicular cancer patients to generate primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). These cells will be genetically modified to reflect the genetic changes associated with Germ Cell Neoplasia In Situ (GCNIS), which are precursors to testicular cancer. By studying these models, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind testicular cancer development and improve future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for testicular cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been progress in understanding germ cell biology, this approach to modeling GCNIS in vitro is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shioda, Toshihiro — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shioda, Toshihiro
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biobehavioral support to improve life after testicular cancer in young adults
A youth-focused program helps young men who have survived testicular cancer manage emotions, goals, and health changes after treatment to reduce distress and long-term problems.
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Support to reduce long-term emotional, thinking, and work problems after testicular cancer for young adults
This project looks at how a therapy called Goal-focused Emotion-Regulation Therapy (GET) and stress-related biology relate to mental health, thinking, and work life in young adults who are long-term survivors of testicular cancer.
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Recreating early testicular cancer precursors in the lab
They will grow patient-derived germ cells in lab models to recreate the early precursors of adult testicular cancer for young men at risk.
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Helping Young Adults with Testicular Cancer Thrive After Treatment
This project offers support to young adults who have completed testicular cancer treatment, helping them manage lasting challenges and achieve their life goals.
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Investigating how cannabinoids may increase the risk of testicular cancer.
This study is looking into how exposure to cannabis during pregnancy might affect the development of testicular cancer in boys, using lab models to see how substances like THC and CBD could impact the growth of important cells in the testicles.
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Helping young adult testicular cancer survivors manage their health and emotions
This study is testing a supportive program designed to help young adult testicular cancer survivors feel better both physically and emotionally as they adjust back to everyday life after treatment.
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.