Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11645297 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $568,938 |
| NIH project number | 6R01HD114856-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11645297 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals who previously cryopreserved immature testicular tissue or spermatogonial cells and are eligible for autologous transplantation or tissue grafting.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without preserved tissue or those with contraindications for transplantation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores transplanting human spermatogonial stem cells or grafting preserved testicular tissue back into patients to restore fertility after cancer therapy. It focuses on safety and feasibility of these approaches in people who previously cryopreserved tissue, with attention to potential cancer cell contamination and limited initial cell numbers. The work aims to translate promising lab methods into a clinical option that could help survivors have biological children. Participants would be men or boys who previously stored testicular tissue and are eligible for autologous transplantation ideas under the study protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new pathway for patients to regain fertility after cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior lab and early clinical work supports the feasibility of SSC transplantation and tissue grafting, with ongoing translation to patients.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orwig, Kyle Edwin — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Orwig, Kyle Edwin
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.