Recreating early testicular cancer precursors in the lab
Official title: Reconstituting human testicular germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) in vitro using iPSC-derived primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) and genetically engineered human testicular cancer cells
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11314558 · Data updated 2026-11-12
They will grow patient-derived germ cells in lab models to recreate the early precursors of adult testicular cancer for young men at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 7, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $192,844 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA290650-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11314558 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adult men (age 21+) with a history of testicular cancer or with biopsy-confirmed GCNIS who are willing to donate tissue or provide cells for research.
✕Less likely to help
People without a personal history or measurable risk of testicular cancer are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from participation.
What this research studies
The team will make induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from people with testicular cancer and turn them into primordial germ cell–like cells (PGCLCs). They will introduce genetic changes linked to Germ Cell Neoplasia In Situ (GCNIS) and grow these cells in testicular organoid cultures or transplant them to reproduce the prenatal precursor lesions. By modeling GCNIS in controlled lab systems, researchers aim to see how early cancer changes arise and persist. This approach uses patient-derived cells and engineered tumor cells to better mimic human testicular cancer development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help improve early detection, prevention strategies, and new treatments for adult testicular cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Making germ cell–like cells and organoids has shown promise in other labs, but recreating human GCNIS specifically is largely novel and experimentally challenging.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shioda, Toshihiro — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shioda, Toshihiro
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biobehavioral support to improve life after testicular cancer in young adults
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This project looks at how a therapy called Goal-focused Emotion-Regulation Therapy (GET) and stress-related biology relate to mental health, thinking, and work life in young adults who are long-term survivors of testicular cancer.
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Helping Young Adults with Testicular Cancer Thrive After Treatment
This project offers support to young adults who have completed testicular cancer treatment, helping them manage lasting challenges and achieve their life goals.
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Investigating how cannabinoids may increase the risk of testicular cancer.
This study is looking into how exposure to cannabis during pregnancy might affect the development of testicular cancer in boys, using lab models to see how substances like THC and CBD could impact the growth of important cells in the testicles.
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Creating lab models of testicular cancer precursors using stem cells.
This study is exploring how testicular cancer starts by creating lab models using special cells from patients, which will help researchers learn more about the disease and find better ways to treat it.
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Helping young adult testicular cancer survivors manage their health and emotions
This study is testing a supportive program designed to help young adult testicular cancer survivors feel better both physically and emotionally as they adjust back to everyday life after treatment.
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.