Targeting a protein to stop the spread of bone cancer in young people
Official title: Targeting DKK-1 To Prevent Osteosarcoma Metastasis
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10912616 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $631,172 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA262802-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912616 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults diagnosed with osteosarcoma, particularly those with metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with localized osteosarcoma who are not experiencing metastasis may not benefit directly from this research.
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.
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 gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loeb, David M. — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Loeb, David M.
Related research
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Focal Adhesion Kinase inhibitor to block osteosarcoma spread to the lungs
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Understanding the genetic differences in osteosarcoma to improve treatment options
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Stopping Osteosarcoma from Spreading
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.
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Understanding how osteosarcoma spreads to the lungs
This study is looking at how bone cancer, called osteosarcoma, spreads to the lungs, and it aims to find new ways to stop this from happening, which could help patients get better treatments for their cancer.
-
Lymph node metastasis and immune tolerance in head and neck cancer
A study in people with head and neck cancer looks at how cancer spread to lymph nodes may shape the immune system and help tumors grow.
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.