Understanding how certain cancer cells spread in the body
Mechanistic understanding of the lifecycle of a circulating hybrid cell
This study is looking at special cancer cells that can travel from tumors into the bloodstream, hoping to understand how they spread and cause more problems, which could help doctors find better ways to treat cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099877 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the lifecycle of circulating hybrid cells (CHCs), which are cancer cells that can spread from primary tumors into the bloodstream. By analyzing these cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow some cancer cells to disseminate and potentially lead to metastatic disease. The approach involves advanced phenotypic analyses and computational methods to identify key features of these cells in both primary tumors and blood samples. This knowledge could help improve cancer management and treatment strategies for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with early-stage cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, who may be at risk of metastasis.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced metastatic cancer who are already receiving treatment may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for metastatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cancer cell dissemination, but this specific focus on circulating hybrid cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wong, Melissa H. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Wong, Melissa H.
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.