Why is the bone marrow a “hot-spot” for myeloma plasma cell metastasis: are there Gremlins in the system? [ 2016 - 2018 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Andrew Zannettino (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Daniel Worthley ,  Prof Peter Croucher

Brief description Most cancer patients die because their cancer spreads from a primary site to other tissues in the body. Once escaping the primary site, 70% of all tumours will spread to bone. This raises the question, why is bone a preferred destination for cancer cells? We provide evidence that Gremlin1, made by non-cancer cells within bone, is a key protein that supports cancer growth. This study will examine whether inhibiting Gremlin1 is a potential therapy to inhibit cancer spreading to bone.

Funding Amount $AUD 670,836.56

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant