Creating advanced models to test cancer drugs for breast cancer treatment
Official title: Engineered biomimetic collective cancer invasion models for screening chemotherapeutic agents
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11115558 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new 3D models to better understand how breast cancer cells spread, so researchers can find effective treatments that might help patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 13, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $425,935 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279948-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115558 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those who have not been diagnosed with breast cancer may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative 3D models that mimic how breast cancer cells invade surrounding tissues. By using engineered biomimetic tumor invasion models, the project aims to screen and identify effective chemotherapeutic agents that can inhibit the spread of breast cancer. The approach involves creating a specialized substrate that allows for real-time observation of cancer cell behavior, helping researchers understand how these cells migrate and respond to treatments. Patients may benefit from the identification of new drugs that could more effectively target metastatic breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for metastatic breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using 3D models for cancer drug screening, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahn, Eun Hyun — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Ahn, Eun Hyun
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.