Understanding how prostate cancer spreads

Molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer metastasis

['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11118667

This research aims to uncover why prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, especially bones, to help find better ways to treat it.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11118667 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

While prostate cancer caught early is often curable, it becomes much more dangerous when it spreads. Our scientists are working to understand the specific ways prostate cancer cells move and grow in new locations, like the bones. We are using special mouse models that mimic how prostate cancer spreads in people, allowing us to study the different types of cancer cells involved. By looking closely at these cells, we hope to identify key factors that drive the cancer's spread and make it harder to treat.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with metastatic prostate cancer, particularly those whose cancer has spread to the bones, as it seeks to understand the disease at a molecular level.

Not a fit: Patients with localized prostate cancer that has not spread may not directly benefit from this specific research focus on metastasis.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that stop prostate cancer from spreading or make existing treatments more effective for metastatic disease.

How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon existing knowledge of cancer biology and uses established genetically engineered mouse models to explore new aspects of metastatic progression.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Bone cancer metastatic, Cancer Biology, Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.