Identifying the key cells that drive the spread of colorectal cancer
Official title: Towards a complete characterization of the metastasis founder clones in colorectal cancer
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10867374 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in colorectal cancer spread to other parts of the body, using samples from patients to understand the genes that help these cells move around, with the hope of finding better ways to treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $489,231 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269281-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867374 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer who are undergoing surgical resection of their tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with colorectal cancer who are not undergoing surgery or those with advanced metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain cells in colorectal cancer are responsible for metastasis, which is the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. By analyzing samples from patients with colorectal cancer, researchers will look for specific gene expression patterns in these 'metastasis founder clones.' The study involves collecting biopsies from primary tumors and their corresponding metastases, allowing for a detailed examination of the genetic traits that enable these cells to spread. The goal is to create a clearer understanding of how colorectal cancer metastasizes, which could lead to better treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more targeted therapies that specifically inhibit the spread of colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying metastatic clones in animal models, but this approach in humans is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naxerova, Kamila — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Naxerova, Kamila
Related research
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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.