ZFP281 and early cancer spread: dormancy, local relapse, and distant metastasis
Official title: ZFP281-driven early spread, dormancy and locoregional and distant relapse
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11335051 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a cancer gene called ZFP281 may control early cancer cell dormancy and later spread, with potential to inform better prevention of relapse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | August 26, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $591,191 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA295557-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335051 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with a history of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or early disseminated cancer cells at risk of relapse may benefit from insights arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a cancer history or without risk of dormancy-related relapse are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
This NIH grant supports work on how ZFP281 drives a dormancy program in early disseminated cancer cells and how this affects local recurrence and lung metastasis. The team will examine signaling pathways (Wnt, FGF2) and immune cell interactions, including macrophages, that influence whether dormant cells awaken and begin spreading. By understanding these processes, they hope to identify points where therapies could prevent relapse years after initial treatment. The research uses human cancer samples and advanced molecular techniques to connect cellular changes with patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to strategies that prevent cancer relapse by keeping disseminated cancer cells dormant or stopping their awakening.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that targeting macrophage interactions and dormancy pathways can influence metastatic progression, supporting potential translational value for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aguirre-Ghiso, Julio a. — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Aguirre-Ghiso, Julio a.
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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.