Exploring what drives cancer growth and how tumors interact with their surroundings

Deep exploration of drivers, evolution, and microenvironment toward discovering principal themes in cancer

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11176339

This project uses advanced genetic and single-cell tools to learn how tumors grow, change, and interact with the immune system in people with advanced cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11176339 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project will combine large-scale genome and RNA sequencing with single-cell and spatial genomics to map cancer cells and their neighborhood in tumors from people with advanced cancer. Researchers will use powerful computational tools to link inherited and tumor-specific genetic changes to tumor cell types, evolution, and the surrounding immune and support cells. The team will work with large, well-curated patient tumor datasets and NCI network partners to integrate these data. The goal is to reveal patterns that explain treatment resistance and suggest better, more personalized approaches.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with advanced or metastatic tumors who can provide tumor tissue samples or agree to share genomic and clinical data would be the best fit.

Not a fit: Patients without available tumor tissue, those with early-stage disease not covered by the cohorts, or those with conditions outside the study focus may not directly benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new diagnostic markers and treatment targets that help personalize care for people with cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Large-scale genomic and single-cell studies have already identified important cancer drivers and immune interactions, but combining these approaches across many patients to reveal common themes is still emerging.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, 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: Advanced Cancer, Cancer Center, Cancer Patient

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.