A device that quickly grows patient-specific cancer models for treatment testing
Official title: An integrated microfluidic device for patient-derived micro-organospheres
Funded at Xilis, INC. · NIH-11174023 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new device that quickly makes tiny models of your tumor from a small sample, so doctors can test how your cancer might respond to different treatments and find the best option just for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Xilis, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,239,153 |
| NIH project number | 4R44CA287952-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174023 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with breast or colorectal cancer who are undergoing biopsy procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not require biopsy or those who are not eligible for personalized treatment approaches may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel medical device that can rapidly create micro-organospheres, which are small, patient-derived models of tumors. These models will allow for personalized treatment testing by simulating how a patient's cancer might respond to different therapies. The device uses a unique process to generate these models from small biopsy samples, making it more efficient and scalable compared to current methods. By improving the speed and accessibility of creating these models, the research aims to enhance the precision of cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized cancer treatments for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using patient-derived models for personalized medicine, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Xilis, INC.
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Daniel Aaron — Xilis, INC.
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Daniel Aaron
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Fast lab-grown mini tumor models from patient biopsies
This project aims to create a device that quickly grows tiny, patient-specific tumor models from small biopsies to help guide treatment choices for people with breast cancer.
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.