Understanding how cancer cells can remain dormant and avoid treatment
Functional Determinants of Metastatic Dormancy
['FUNDING_R01'] · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-10885090
This study is looking into how some cancer cells can go into a sleep-like state after treatment, which might cause the cancer to come back later, and it aims to find ways to stop this from happening, especially for people with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BRONX, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10885090 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow cancer cells, specifically disseminated cancer cells (DCCs), to enter a dormant state after treatment, which can lead to cancer recurrence years later. The team aims to uncover how signals from primary tumors and target organs influence these dormant cells and how manipulating these signals could prevent metastasis. By using models of breast cancer, the researchers are exploring the role of hypoxia and specific gene programs in maintaining dormancy. This work could lead to new strategies for targeting dormant cancer cells and improving long-term outcomes for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have been treated for breast cancer and are at risk of metastasis due to dormant cancer cells.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve disseminated cancer cells or those who are currently undergoing active treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent cancer recurrence by targeting dormant cancer cells.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding cancer dormancy, but this approach is exploring novel mechanisms that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
BRONX, UNITED STATES
- ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — BRONX, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: AGUIRRE-GHISO, JULIO A. — ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: AGUIRRE-GHISO, JULIO A.
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.