Understanding how solid tumors evolve and progress over time
A phylodynamic time machine for solid tumors
This study is exploring a new way to understand how solid tumors grow and change over time, which could help doctors predict which types of tumors might be more dangerous, ultimately leading to better and more personalized treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10471549 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a novel methodology that reconstructs the evolutionary history of solid tumors, allowing for predictions about which tumor cell lineages may lead to worse clinical outcomes. By utilizing advanced phylodynamic models originally designed for studying viral evolution, the project will adapt these techniques to analyze cancer cell DNA sequencing data. This approach will provide deeper insights into tumor progression and help create new diagnostic tools that can inform treatment decisions for patients. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of cancer evolution and improve patient outcomes through more personalized treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with solid tumors who are undergoing genetic sequencing of their tumor cells.
Not a fit: Patients with non-solid tumors or those who do not have access to tumor sequencing data may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients with solid tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using phylodynamic approaches for understanding viral evolution, but applying these methods to solid tumors is a novel and untested area.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feder, Alison F — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Feder, Alison F
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.