Keith McCrae, MD

Tiny Molecules, Big Potential: VeloSano Grant Supports Promising Cancer Research

Polyphosphates, which are tiny molecules, may hold big answers in the fight against cancer. Keith McCrae, MD, and his team were awarded a VeloSano grant to investigate the role of polyphosphates in cancer progression and its complications.

One such complication is cancer-associated thrombosis, a dangerous condition where blood clots form in patients with cancer. Dr. McCrae is looking into how cancer cells might release polyphosphates into the bloodstream, potentially promoting blood clot formation. The team is also examining a specific enzyme that could suppress polyphosphate production by cancer cells, an approach that may not only reduce clotting risk but also slow the spread of cancer.

“Theoretically, if you could block the production of polyphosphates in cancer cells or block the breakdown and transfer of phosphates to other molecules that cancer cells use for energy, you could block cancer cell metabolism and growth,” says Dr. McCrae. “At the same time, you could potentially block the release of polyphosphate-containing extracellular vesicles into the blood and reduce clotting.”

The next phase of the study will focus on evaluating drug inhibitors that target polyphosphate metabolism and could disrupt cancer’s underlying energy systems. If successful, this could offer a novel, broadly applicable pathway for treating a wide range of cancers.

Dr. McCrae, who also serves as the VeloSano Team Captain of the Taussig Cyclotrons, understands firsthand the impact of community-driven events like Bike to Cure in fueling innovative cancer research. He’s demonstrated his commitment to the cause both in the lab and on the road for many years.

“Bike to Cure is a lot of fun and extremely important,” says Dr. McCrae. “There is a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of great people involved. It continues to grow every year. Cancer is one of the things that almost everyone has had an experience with, whether personal or family members or friends.”

He credits Cleveland Clinic’s collaborative environment for enabling this kind of research to thrive. “I spend half of my time in patient care and half of my time in the research lab, and I like to see those bridged together,” says Dr. McCrae. “Cleveland Clinic is a great place, but it can’t support everybody’s research. VeloSano helps with that, and every dollar is critical.”