Osteosarcoma: Targeting CD24 to Stop Lung Metastasis
Official title: Osteosarcoma-specific glycoforms of CD24
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11358016 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study explores a CD24-targeting antibody to help the immune system fight osteosarcoma that has spread to the lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $164,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03CA313246-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358016 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with osteosarcoma at risk of or experiencing metastatic spread, particularly to the lungs, who would be eligible for future antibody-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without osteosarcoma or without metastatic disease may not benefit from this specific antibody strategy.
What this research studies
This project looks at how blocking a molecule called CD24 could enable lung-resident immune cells to swallow and clear osteosarcoma cells that have spread. Researchers use preclinical models to test antibodies that distinguish tumor cells from normal immune cells, aiming to prevent metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis. If successful, this approach could reduce lung metastases and improve survival for patients with osteosarcoma who relapse. The work focuses on translating lab findings into strategies that could be tested in future patient studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with osteosarcoma could experience fewer metastases and better survival through a more targeted immune therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown that CD24-targeting antibodies can promote phagocytosis of cancer cells by alveolar macrophages in mouse models, suggesting potential for translation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Najjar, Amer M — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Najjar, Amer M
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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.