NIH-funded research R01 grant

Evaluating cancer models to improve precision medicine

Official title: Single-cell congruence evaluation and selection of cancer models towards precision medicine

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11046862 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how closely different cancer models, like lab-grown cells and tiny organ-like structures from patients, match real breast tumors to help find the best ways to create treatments that work better for you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startFebruary 3, 2025
Project endJanuary 31, 2030
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$585,931
NIH project number1R01CA285337-01A1
Project IDNIH-11046862 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer who may benefit from tailored treatment approaches.

Less likely to help

Patients with cancers other than breast cancer may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how well different cancer models, such as cell lines and patient-derived organoids, mimic actual tumors in patients. By analyzing molecular profiles and using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to identify the most representative cancer models for breast cancer. The goal is to enhance the selection process of these models to ensure they accurately reflect the complexity of human tumors, which could lead to better treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from improved therapies that are tailored to their specific cancer characteristics.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized cancer treatments for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced molecular profiling and machine learning to improve cancer model selection, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Tseng, George C. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Tseng, George C.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair

    A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11668074

  • Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve

    This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11668041

  • Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development

    This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11668004

  • Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments

    This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11667742

  • Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy

    A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11645331

  • Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients

    Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11645297

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.