Contact:
Suresh Mohla, Ph.D.
Tumor Biology & Metastasis Branch
Division of Cancer Biology
National Cancer Institute
Telephone: 301 435 1878
e-mail: sm82e@nih.gov

Objective of the Project:

This RFA solicits investigator-initiated applications to promote a better understanding of the pathophysiology of bone metastasis especially as it relates to tumor cell-bone interactions. The overall goal is to delineate the role of bone microenvironment on tumor cell survival and colonization. Collaborative interactions between bone biologists, clinical oncologists and cancer biologists are highly encouraged. Investigators can submit applications as exploratory grants (R21s) or traditional R01s. These studies should contribute towards a better understanding of the molecular events that account for homing of tumor cells to the bone, and for generating novel therapeutic reagents.

Description of the Project:

Examples of research supported by this RFA include but are not limited to:

1. Identification and characterization of factors that promote bone metastases.
2. Critical signaling pathways that regulate tumor cell survival and/or bone colonization.
3. Tumor-bone endothelial cell interactions and factors modulating such interactions.
4. Delineating the role of osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteocytes in bone metastasis.
5. Characterizing the role of immune cells in bone metastasis.