Understanding how cancer cells spread and remain dormant before forming metastases

Investigating disseminated cancer cell clonal cooperation and immune control in dormancy and metastasis

NIH-funded research Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11092792

This study is looking at how certain cancer cells can hide out in the body before they start to grow again, especially in the lungs, and it aims to understand how these hidden cells interact with other cancer cells and the immune system, which could help find new ways to stop cancer from spreading.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAlbert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bronx, United States)
Project IDNIH-11092792 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the behavior of cancer cells that can spread from the primary tumor and enter a dormant state before potentially forming metastases. It aims to uncover how these early disseminated cancer cells (eDCCs) interact with later arriving cancer cells and the immune system, particularly in the lungs. By utilizing advanced techniques like genetic lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing, the study seeks to identify the mechanisms that allow these cells to evade immune detection and remain dormant for extended periods. The findings could lead to new strategies for targeting dormant cancer cells and preventing metastasis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with early-stage cancer who may be at risk of metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced metastatic cancer or those who are not currently undergoing treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments that prevent cancer metastasis and improve patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding cancer cell dormancy and immune evasion, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Bronx, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.