Understanding how bladder cancer changes as it becomes more aggressive
Investigating mechanisms of tumor plasticity in human bladder cancer
This study is looking at how bladder cancer changes from a less serious form to a more aggressive one, and it aims to understand how these changes affect how well treatments, like a drug called enfortumab vedotin, work; if you're a patient, your tumor samples could help us learn more about this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10980870 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular changes that occur in bladder cancer as it progresses from a non-invasive to a muscle-invasive form. By analyzing tumor samples and using patient-derived organoids, the team aims to uncover the mechanisms behind tumor plasticity, which is the ability of cancer cells to change their characteristics. The study focuses on specific proteins that influence this plasticity and how these changes can affect treatment responses, particularly to a drug called enfortumab vedotin. Patients may be involved in providing tumor samples that help researchers understand these processes better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with bladder cancer, especially those whose disease has progressed to a muscle-invasive stage.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous bladder conditions or those with very early-stage bladder cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for bladder cancer patients, particularly those with advanced disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tumor plasticity and its implications for treatment, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Michael M. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Shen, Michael 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.