New methods to stop and treat tiny cancer spread
Official title: A New Paradigm to Prevent and Treat Micrometastases
Funded at Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · NIH-11019737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with cancer by using gene therapy to keep the immune system constantly fighting tiny clusters of cancer cells in the blood, which could help stop them from spreading and causing more serious problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $490,840 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278995-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with solid tumors who may have microscopic metastases at the time of diagnosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-solid tumors or those who do not have evidence of micrometastases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on preventing and treating micrometastases, which are small clusters of cancer cells that can spread and cause serious health issues. The approach involves using gene therapy to create a continuous immune response against these cells while they are in the bloodstream, aiming to catch them before they establish a protective environment. By maintaining constant pressure on these cancer cells, the research seeks to overcome the limitations of current intermittent therapies that allow cancer cells to survive and develop resistance. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment strategy that targets cancer spread at its earliest stages.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for preventing cancer spread, potentially improving survival rates for patients with solid tumors.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using gene therapy for continuous immune pressure is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other cancer treatments, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cripe, Timothy P — Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
- Study coordinator: Cripe, Timothy P
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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.