How bladder cancer spreads
Investigating mechanisms of bladder cancer metastasis
Researchers are using new mouse models and computer analysis to find the molecular switches that make bladder cancer spread, with the goal of helping people with advanced bladder cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168823 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses newly developed genetically engineered mice that reliably develop metastatic bladder cancer to study how tumors spread. Scientists will compare the mouse tumors with human bladder cancer to find shared 'master regulator' genes that drive metastasis. They will use a computational drug-prioritization tool called OncoTreat to nominate drugs that can flip those master regulators back to a non‑spreading state and then test candidates in the lab models. The hope is to identify targets and drugs that could be moved into future patient trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced or metastatic bladder cancer would be the main future candidates for trials or sample donation related to this work.
Not a fit: People without bladder cancer or with very early, low‑risk bladder tumors are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new drugs or tests that block bladder cancer spread and improve survival for people with metastatic disease.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical programs have yielded drug leads before, but combining highly metastatic bladder mouse models with OncoTreat-driven drug selection is a relatively new and translational approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abate-Shen, Cory — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Abate-Shen, Cory
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.