Targeting cells that cause cancer spread in a specific type of sarcoma
Official title: Targeting the metastasis initiating cell in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11060872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific type of soft tissue cancer called undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) to find out how certain cells help it spread, with the goal of creating new treatments that can stop this spread and help patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 6, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $448,498 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA251407-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of sarcomas or those who do not have metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), a type of soft tissue cancer known for its poor prognosis. The team has discovered a small group of cells within UPS that are responsible for initiating metastasis, or the spread of cancer. By investigating the genetic and epigenetic factors that maintain these metastasis initiating cells (MCs), the researchers aim to develop targeted therapies that could inhibit their ability to spread. The approach includes using advanced techniques like organ-on-a-chip models and testing potential treatments in mouse models to evaluate their effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce the spread of UPS, improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting metastasis initiating cells in other cancers, suggesting that this approach could be effective for UPS as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alman, Benjamin Aaron — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Alman, Benjamin Aaron
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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.