Controlling blood vessel growth in tumors to improve treatment outcomes

Endothelial Cell Cycle Control to Normalize the Tumor Vasculature

NIH-funded research University of Virginia · NIH-10996929

This study is looking at how changing the growth cycle of blood vessel cells can help fix the poorly functioning blood vessels in tumors, which could make cancer treatments work better for patients, especially those with aggressive breast cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10996929 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the cell cycle of endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, can be manipulated to improve the structure and function of blood vessels in tumors. By using a specific cell cycle inhibitor, Palbociclib, the study aims to normalize the dysfunctional blood vessels that hinder effective drug delivery and immune response in cancer. The research employs advanced techniques in mice to observe how different phases of the cell cycle affect blood vessel formation and function in the tumor environment. If successful, this approach could lead to better therapeutic strategies for patients with aggressive cancers, particularly breast cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with aggressive breast cancer or other cancers characterized by dysfunctional tumor vasculature.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors do not exhibit vascular dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments by improving blood vessel function in tumors, leading to better drug delivery and immune response.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results using similar approaches to normalize tumor vasculature, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Charlottesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agents
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.