Controlling blood vessel growth in tumors to improve treatment outcomes
Official title: Endothelial Cell Cycle Control to Normalize the Tumor Vasculature
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10996929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $38,198 |
| NIH project number | 1F31CA288057-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996929 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with aggressive breast cancer or other cancers characterized by dysfunctional tumor vasculature.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors do not exhibit vascular dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cain, Shelby — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Cain, Shelby
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.