3D lab model of tiny colorectal cancer spots in the liver to test post-surgery chemotherapy
3D Engineered Model of Microscopic Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis for Adjuvant Chemotherapy Screens
['FUNDING_R37'] · TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION · NIH-11242012
The project creates 3D liver models with tiny colorectal cancer metastases to test which chemotherapy drugs might help prevent recurrence after surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11242012 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You should know researchers are building 3D liver scaffolds from decellularized pig liver material to reproduce the liver’s structure and extracellular matrix. They will seed these scaffolds with tiny tumor clusters grown from patient-derived colorectal liver metastasis cells so the lab pieces resemble the microscopic nodules that can remain after surgery. Using optical imaging and medium- to high-throughput drug screening, they will test which adjuvant chemotherapy drugs can clear these tiny tumors and compare results with real patient responses. The aim is a reliable lab model that better reflects human microscopic metastases than current spheroid or animal models, to help find therapies that reduce recurrence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, especially those having surgery or able to donate tumor tissue for research, are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without colorectal liver metastases or those seeking immediate changes to their clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify chemotherapy options that eliminate microscopic liver metastases and lower the chance of cancer coming back after surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Existing models like spheroids and patient-derived xenografts are commonly used but often lack liver architecture, and this engineered 3D scaffold approach is relatively new and designed to improve predictive accuracy.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAGHAVAN, SHREYA A. — TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION
- Study coordinator: RAGHAVAN, SHREYA A.
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 below.
Conditions: Cancer Patient, Cancer Treatment