How aging changes blood-forming cells to drive harmful inflammation in cancer
Dissecting the hematopoietic pathways governing age-associated pathogenic myelopoiesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11292854
This research tests whether age-related changes in bone marrow make myeloid cells that fuel tumor-promoting inflammation, with the goal of helping older adults with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11292854 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You will read about work that looks at how aging reshapes the bone marrow and the immune cells it makes, especially monocytes and macrophages that can worsen tumors. Researchers will use detailed molecular profiling of tumors and blood/bone marrow cells, plus experiments in aged models, to trace which cells and signals become pro-inflammatory with age. They will test whether blocking IL-1 signaling (for example, with drugs like anakinra) can reverse harmful myeloid changes. The team aims to identify specific pathways that could become targets for treatments to reduce age-related tumor progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults with cancer (especially lung tumors) or people willing to donate tumor, blood, or bone marrow samples for research at Mount Sinai.
Not a fit: People without cancer or much younger adults are unlikely to see direct benefits from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that reduce age-related inflammation and improve cancer control in older patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse studies showed that blocking IL-1 signaling with anakinra normalized myelopoiesis and improved tumor control, but the precise molecular drivers in aging remain to be defined.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MERAD, MIRIAM — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: MERAD, MIRIAM
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.