Stopping Osteosarcoma from Spreading

Targeting DKK-1 To Prevent Osteosarcoma Metastasis

NIH-funded research Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11127707

This project looks for new ways to stop osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer common in young people, from spreading to other parts of the body.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAlbert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bronx, United States)
Project IDNIH-11127707 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer that often affects teenagers and young adults. While surgery and chemotherapy can help many with localized disease, it's much harder to treat when the cancer has spread. This project explores a new approach by focusing on a protein called DKK-1, which seems to help osteosarcoma cells spread. Researchers believe that by blocking DKK-1, they can encourage cancer cells to mature and stop them from moving to other areas. This could lead to better outcomes for patients with this aggressive cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is focused on understanding and treating osteosarcoma, particularly in adolescents and young adults.

Not a fit: Patients without osteosarcoma or those whose cancer has already spread extensively may not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent osteosarcoma from spreading, significantly improving survival rates for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory work has shown promising results in animal models where blocking DKK-1 prevented metastasis.

Where this research is happening

Bronx, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.