Understanding how certain cancer cells remain dormant after treatment
Official title: Functional Analysis of Distinct and Co-existing Transcriptional Programs Regulating Tumor Dormancy
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11076690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how some cancer cells can stay quiet after treatment and what makes them wake up again, especially in head and neck cancer, to help find new ways to keep patients healthy for longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $384,300 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266443-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have been treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and may have disseminated tumor cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers other than head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow certain cancer cells, known as disseminated tumor cells (DTCs), to remain dormant after the primary tumor has been treated. By focusing on specific transcription factors and signaling pathways, the study aims to uncover how these cells can either stay inactive or reactivate, potentially leading to metastasis. The research utilizes advanced techniques to analyze the behavior of these cells in various environments, particularly in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies that could prolong remission and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent cancer recurrence and improve survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tumor dormancy and reactivation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sosa, Maria — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Sosa, Maria
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.