Creating advanced tools to study cancer cells in lab-grown tissues

Developing high-throughput genetic perturbation strategies for single cells in cancer organoids

['FUNDING_U01'] · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · NIH-10455437

This study is working on new ways to help scientists understand how cancer cells behave in lab-grown tissues, which could lead to better treatments that are specially designed for each person's cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_U01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10455437 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing innovative tools that allow scientists to analyze and understand the complex behaviors of cancer cells within organoids, which are lab-grown tissues that mimic real tumors. By using techniques from synthetic biology and bioinformatics, the project aims to create methods for tracking and manipulating individual cancer cells, helping to identify why some cancers resist treatment and recur. The approach includes using fluorescent markers to visualize different cancer cell types and employing advanced genetic screening to discover new therapeutic targets. This research could lead to more effective treatments tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient's cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with heterogeneous cancers that are resistant to standard treatments and have a high risk of recurrence or metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers that are easily treatable or those without significant genetic complexity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in personalized cancer therapies that are more effective and reduce the chances of cancer recurrence.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using similar advanced genetic and bioinformatics approaches to study cancer, indicating that this methodology could be effective.

Where this research is happening

CAMBRIDGE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers, neoplasm/cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.