Developing biosensors to identify and target dormant cancer cells

Intersectional genetics-based biosensors for dormant cancer cells

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10830302

This study is looking at cancer cells that can hide in the body and come back years after treatment, and it aims to develop a special tool to find and target these sneaky cells so that we can improve cancer treatments and help patients stay healthy longer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10830302 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding dormant cancer cells that can reactivate and cause metastasis years after initial treatment. By using advanced genetic tools, the team aims to uncover the unique gene expression profiles of these dormant cells. They plan to create a biosensor that can identify and manipulate these cells in living organisms, potentially leading to targeted therapies that can eliminate them without harming normal cells. This innovative approach seeks to improve cancer treatment outcomes by addressing a critical gap in current therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer survivors who are at risk of metastasis due to dormant cancer cells.

Not a fit: Patients with active cancer or those who have not undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively target and eliminate dormant cancer cells, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using biosensors for cancer cells is innovative, similar genetic profiling techniques have shown promise in other areas of cancer research.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Cancer CauseCancer EtiologyCancer RelapseCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.