Investigating how certain cells in thyroid cancer affect disease progression
Official title: The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Thyroid Carcinoma
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10917210 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the thyroid, called cancer-associated fibroblasts, help aggressive thyroid cancers grow and spread, with the hope of finding new ways to predict and improve treatment for patients with these tough-to-treat cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $376,428 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272875-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917210 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma or those at risk of developing aggressive thyroid cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with benign thyroid conditions or those with non-aggressive forms of thyroid cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in thyroid carcinoma, particularly in aggressive forms like anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. The study aims to identify how these fibroblasts contribute to tumor growth and progression through signaling pathways, specifically Wnt signaling. By analyzing the interactions between CAFs and tumor cells, the research seeks to uncover potential biomarkers that could predict disease outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatment strategies for aggressive thyroid cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better predictive markers for aggressive thyroid cancer and new therapeutic targets.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding the role of CAFs in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for thyroid cancer as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiss, Vivian Lee — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Weiss, Vivian Lee
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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.