Targeting a protein to stop the spread of bone cancer in young people

Targeting DKK-1 To Prevent Osteosarcoma Metastasis

NIH-funded research Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10912616

This study is exploring how a protein called DKK-1 affects the spread of osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that often affects teens and young adults, and aims to find a new treatment that could help stop the cancer from spreading, inviting patients to join in by sharing their blood or tumor samples.

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-10912616 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on osteosarcoma, a common bone cancer in adolescents and young adults, particularly looking at a protein called DKK-1 that is linked to the cancer's spread. The study aims to understand how DKK-1 affects cancer cell behavior and to develop a treatment that can inhibit this protein, potentially preventing metastasis. By using advanced techniques, researchers will analyze blood samples and tumor cells to assess the impact of DKK-1 inhibition on cancer progression. Patients may have the opportunity to contribute to this research through participation in clinical trials or by providing biological samples.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults diagnosed with osteosarcoma, particularly those with metastatic disease.

Not a fit: Patients with localized osteosarcoma who are not experiencing metastasis may not benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve survival rates for patients with metastatic osteosarcoma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

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 2026-06-10 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.