Investigating the role of platelets in blood clot risks for cancer patients
Official title: Platelet FcGammaRIIa and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-10531623 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain blood cells called platelets might affect the risk of blood clots in cancer patients, and it hopes to find a way to identify those who are more likely to develop these clots so that better prevention methods can be created.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $214,414 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA267074-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10531623 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are at high risk for developing venous thromboembolism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancer-related conditions or those not at risk for venous thromboembolism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how platelets, a type of blood cell, contribute to the risk of blood clots in patients with cancer. It aims to identify a specific marker, platelet FcɣRIIa expression, that could help predict which cancer patients are at higher risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) and experiencing cancer progression. By analyzing platelet samples from patients, the study seeks to improve current prevention strategies for blood clots, which are often inadequate. The research is conducted at the University of Vermont Cancer Center, leveraging an established clinical program dedicated to preventing VTE in outpatient settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification of cancer patients at risk for blood clots, allowing for more effective prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that platelet markers can be indicative of thrombotic risks, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holmes, Chris Elaine — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Holmes, Chris Elaine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Statins to Prevent Cancer-Associated Blood Clots in Cancer Patients
A large study will test whether taking rosuvastatin every day for a year can lower the chance of dangerous blood clots in people with cancer, without raising the risk of bleeding.
-
Optimal use of blood thinners for venous clots in people with cirrhosis
This grant hopes to figure out the safest and most effective way to use oral anticoagulants for adults with cirrhosis who develop venous clots.
-
PET/CT imaging to detect chemotherapy-related vascular harm in young cancer patients
A non-invasive PET/CT scan method using standard care imaging is being tested to identify which pediatric and young adult cancer patients are at higher risk of blood clots from chemotherapy.
-
Statins to Prevent Cancer-Associated Blood Clots in Cancer Patients
A large clinical trial will test whether taking rosuvastatin daily for a year helps prevent dangerous blood clots in people with newly diagnosed or relapsed cancer who aren’t already getting anticoagulants.
-
BCOR's role in blood clot risk and liver genetics
A Johns Hopkins-led study is exploring how a human gene, BCOR, may control liver-produced clotting factors to influence venous blood clots.
-
Personalized risk-prediction for hospital-acquired blood clots in adults
A real-time risk model helps doctors identify adults in the hospital who are at higher risk of developing blood clots so they can prevent them safely.
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.