3D imaging and machine learning to map cancer cell and immune cell interactions
Official title: 3D highly-multiplexed imaging and machine learning for immunoprofiling of human and murine tumors
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11446550 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer-focused project uses advanced 3D imaging and AI to map how tumor cells and immune cells interact, helping doctors understand tumors better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $194,804 |
| NIH project number | 1R50CA305002-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446550 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancer whose tumors are studied or whose tissue samples could be analyzed using the imaging and data methods developed.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not contributing tumor tissue or not undergoing diagnostics tied to this imaging approach may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project leverages highly multiplexed 3D tissue imaging to examine human and mouse tumor samples in their natural environment. It combines advanced microscopy with machine learning to turn complex images into precise, single-cell data that describe tumor phenotypes and immune interactions. By supporting investigators and trainees, it aims to accelerate discovery in cancer biology and pave the way for more precise diagnostics and therapies. The work is anchored in Harvard Medical School's microscopy and computer vision core, with a network across multiple institutions to share tools and methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from more detailed tumor profiling that informs personalized diagnostics and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies in high-dimensional tissue imaging and AI-based image analysis have shown promise in better characterizing tumor biology and microenvironments.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yapp, Clarence H — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Yapp, Clarence H
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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.