How the quality of bone structure affects cancer spread and treatment response
Official title: The role of extracellular matrix quality in the prediction of metastasis-induced skeletal fragility and response to immunotherapy
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-10742484 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the structure of bone can affect the spread of cancer and how well certain treatments work for patients with cancer that has spread to the bones, aiming to find ways to help improve treatment outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $392,617 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA284159-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10742484 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced solid tumors that have spread to the bones, particularly those receiving immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers or those whose cancer has not metastasized to the bones may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the quality of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in bones influences the spread of cancer and the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with metastatic bone disease. It focuses on the interactions between bone cells, immune cells, and cancer cells, particularly looking at how these interactions can lead to bone damage and affect treatment outcomes. By examining specific biomarkers related to the ECM, the study aims to understand how to improve patient responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are a type of cancer treatment. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze these interactions and their implications for patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with metastatic bone disease, enhancing their quality of life and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining the ECM's role in metastatic bone disease is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding cancer interactions with bone.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bailey, Stacyann R — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Bailey, Stacyann 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.