Understanding how cancer spreads and finding new treatment targets
Mechanisms and therapeutic targets of cancer metastasis
This study is looking at how cancer spreads to the liver and hopes to find new ways to stop it by understanding how liver cells help cancer cells grow, so it's for anyone interested in better treatments for cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10740908 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind cancer metastasis, particularly focusing on how cancer cells spread to the liver. The team hypothesizes that liver cells, known as hepatocytes, create a supportive environment that allows cancer cells to thrive and grow. By studying the interactions between cancer cells and liver cells, the researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets that could prevent or reduce metastasis. This work involves analyzing the signals and factors released by primary tumors that influence liver cell behavior and the subsequent recruitment of immune cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers, particularly those whose cancer has spread to the liver.
Not a fit: Patients with localized cancers that have not metastasized or those with non-gastrointestinal cancers may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent cancer from spreading to the liver, improving survival rates for patients with metastatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer metastasis, but this specific approach focusing on liver cell interactions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beatty, Gregory L — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Beatty, Gregory L
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.