An improved MRI method to map cancer cells spreading through blood vessels
Official title: An optimal MRI method for detection of intratumoral cancer cell dissemination doorways
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11454959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new MRI technique aims to visualize and measure the tiny events where cancer cells enter the bloodstream, helping doctors tailor treatments for breast cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $431,970 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA299390-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with breast cancer who may be at risk for metastasis and could benefit from personalized imaging-guided treatment decisions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without breast cancer or without a risk of TMEM-related metastasis may not benefit from this imaging approach.
What this research studies
This project will build on a non-invasive MRI method to watch TMEM doorway activity, which is linked to how aggressively cancer spreads. By using advanced imaging in preclinical models and human patients, researchers will study how these doorway events happen and respond to potential therapies. The goal is to refine TDAM imaging so clinicians can predict metastatic risk and personalize treatment decisions. Animal models will be essential to precisely manipulate biology that can’t be safely studied directly in patients. The work will move toward translating imaging findings into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the imaging method could help doctors identify patients at higher risk of metastasis and tailor therapies to reduce spread.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work shows TMEM doorway activity correlates with metastatic risk and treatment responses, supporting further development of TDAM imaging.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karagiannis, George S — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Karagiannis, George S
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.