Profiling TGCT and RCC Metastasis using single cell spatial transcript
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Profiling bone destructive soft tissue intra-articular diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumours (TGCT) and renal cell cancer metastases using single cell spatial transcriptomics
IRAS ID
351239
Contact name
Thomas Ward
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Our bodies are made up of many different kinds of cells that work together, and the environment around these cells—the “micro-environment”—plays a big role in health and disease. When cancers or tumour growths develop, the surrounding environment can impact and the affect the disease process.
This study is focused on two conditions: Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumors (TGCTs) which are aggressive growths that occur inside joints, like the knee or hip. They can cause swelling, pain, and even damage the bone near the joint.
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) Bone Metastases – This is a type of kidney cancer that has spread to the bone. These cancerous growths can be destructive to the bone and difficult to treat.
The aim of this study is to understand what the “micro-environment” looks like in these two conditions—that is, which types of cells are present, how they are interacting, and what signals they are sending to each other and whether this has an impact on their ability to causes destruction and damage to the bone.
To do this we will collect samples from patients who are already having surgery to treat these conditions as part of their normal treatment, i.e. we will not cause them any additional surgery or procedures. We will then use a technique called single-cell spatial transcriptomics which allows us to look at thousands of individual cells at once, and see which genes are active in each cell, and also map out where those cells are located in the tissue.
By profiling these details, we can build a detailed “map” of the tumor and its surroundings. This could reveal why some tumors grow aggressively and destroy bone, while others behave differently. Ultimately, the findings may help guide new treatments—by targeting the supportive environment that allows these harmful growths to thrive
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0267
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion