Understanding how nerves influence cancer spread
Official title: Defining and Exploiting the Neuronal Identity of Cancers
Funded at Tufts University Medford · NIH-11134806 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nerves might help cancer cells spread from their original tumors to other parts of the body, and it's for anyone interested in new ways to prevent or treat cancer by understanding this connection better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Medford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 17, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $924,560 |
| NIH project number | 4DP2CA271387-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134806 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic cancer or those at high risk of metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with localized tumors that are not expected to metastasize may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of nerves in the spread of cancer cells from primary tumors to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. By examining how nerves interact with tumor cells and the surrounding environment, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms that contribute to cancer growth and invasion. The researchers will explore how the presence of nerves can affect the behavior of cancer cells and identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent or treat metastatic disease. This work could lead to innovative strategies for managing cancer by focusing on the neuronal aspects of tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent cancer from spreading, improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of nerves in cancer has been acknowledged, this specific approach to targeting neuronal identity in tumors is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Medford
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oudin, Madeleine Julie — Tufts University Medford
- Study coordinator: Oudin, Madeleine Julie
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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.