Tumor–macrophage hybrid cells and prostate cancer spread
The role of tumor-macrophage hybrid cells in prostate cancer metastasis
Researchers are looking at whether hybrid cells that combine prostate tumor and immune-cell features help advanced prostate cancer resist treatment and spread to other parts of the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294206 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view, the team is studying special cells that seem to be part tumor and part macrophage (an immune cell) to see how they hide from the immune system and survive in the bloodstream. They will examine the genes and proteins these hybrid cells use, including c-Myc, and compare them to the original cancer and macrophage cells. The work will use a systems-level approach combining lab-grown cell lines, likely patient tumor or blood samples, and experimental models to observe how these hybrids tolerate stress and seed metastases. The goal is to map the mechanisms that let these cells resist hormone therapies and colonize distant sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer—especially those with castration-resistant or ARSI-resistant disease—or patients willing to donate tumor tissue or blood samples would be the best fit.
Not a fit: People with early-stage, localized prostate cancer or unrelated health conditions are unlikely to see direct benefits from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to prevent or treat therapy-resistant, metastatic prostate cancer.
How similar studies have performed: This concept of tumor–macrophage hybrid cells is relatively new with some laboratory evidence but has not yet produced proven clinical therapies.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Tim H.-M. — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Huang, Tim H.-M.
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 below.