Fibroblasts in brain metastases help cancer grow and hide from treatment
Official title: Fibroblasts Support the Growth of Brain Metastasis by Rendering Cancer Cells Resistant to Chemotherapy and Inducing Immunosuppression in Tumor Microenvironment
Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-11345207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In people with cancer that has spread to the brain, researchers are studying how lung cancer–driven fibroblasts in the brain help cancer cells grow, resist standard therapies, and dampen the immune response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $412,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276273-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with brain metastases from cancer (especially lung cancer) or those at risk of brain metastasis may be relevant for future clinical studies.
✕Less likely to help
The study is preclinical and may not immediately translate to benefits for all patients.
What this research studies
This project focuses on brain metastases from lung cancer and the role of metastasis-associated fibroblasts in the brain tumor microenvironment. It looks at a protein called placental growth factor (PGF) produced by these fibroblasts and how it may drive cancer cell growth and resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as well as suppress anti-tumor immunity. The study will test two aims: how MAF-derived PGF affects cancer cell proliferation and drug resistance, and how it causes immunosuppression in brain metastases. The researchers plan to use preclinical models and existing antibodies that can reach the brain to explore potential therapeutic strategies. Findings could point to new ways to overcome treatment resistance in brain metastases and improve outcomes for patients with metastatic lung cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new targets to counter chemoresistance and immunosuppression in brain metastases, potentially guiding future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data suggest PGF-directed approaches may help in brain tumors, but translation to patients is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Zeng-Jie — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Yang, Zeng-Jie
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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.