How tumors change and grow over time
Towards a quantitative understanding of tumor evolution
Researchers are using tumor DNA and math-based models to learn how cancer cell groups and their surroundings change over time to help people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144475 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of research that looks at the genetic makeup of tumors and the nearby non-cancer cells to see how different cancer cell groups (subclones) rise and fall. The team will analyze tumor DNA sequences and other data and build quantitative, math-based models to map the tumor’s evolutionary paths. Their methods aim to spot minor cell groups that may become dominant after treatment and to understand how the tumor microenvironment influences that change. This work combines lab data and computational modeling to point toward better ways to predict and target resistant cancer cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer who can provide tumor tissue or allow their tumor genomic data to be analyzed — especially those undergoing or planning therapy — would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose tumor types are not included in the data collection may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help predict which cancer cell groups cause relapse and guide treatments that prevent resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have found coexisting tumor subclones and therapy-resistant populations, but applying quantitative models to reliably predict future dominant clones is still an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rabadan, Raul — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Rabadan, Raul
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.