Understanding how certain cancer cells survive and spread in the body

Mechanisms of Dynamic Transcriptional Reprogramming in Metastasis Stem Cells

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11009071

This study is looking at how certain cancer cells spread and become resistant to treatment, using tiny lab-grown versions of tumors from patients to find out how these cells change to survive; the goal is to discover new ways to target and eliminate these tough cancer cells, which could help improve treatments for people with advanced cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11009071 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind metastasis stem cells (MetSCs), which are responsible for the spread of cancer and contribute to treatment resistance. By studying patient-derived organoids, the research aims to uncover how these cells switch their characteristics to survive and proliferate outside their original tissue. The focus is on understanding the role of specific proteins, like L1CAM, in this process, which could lead to new strategies for targeting and eliminating metastatic cancer cells. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for advanced cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancer, particularly those with colorectal cancer that has metastasized.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancer or those whose cancer has not metastasized may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively target and eliminate metastatic cancer cells, improving survival rates for patients with advanced cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting cancer stem cells, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Conditions Advanced Cancer
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.