How Cancer Cells Survive in Blood Flow
Enabling Technology to Study Mechanosensitive and Mechanoresistant Cancer Cells in Flow
This project explores how cancer cells behave and survive when they travel through the bloodstream, which could help us understand how cancer spreads.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166494 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that cancer cells in solid tumors are affected by their surroundings, but less is known about how they act when moving through the blood. This project looks at how mechanical forces, like the push and pull of blood flow, impact cancer cells. We want to understand why some cancer cells die in the bloodstream while others survive and potentially spread. By studying these cells, we hope to find out what makes them so resilient.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancer, particularly those at risk of metastasis, could eventually benefit from the knowledge gained from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer does not involve circulating tumor cells or metastasis may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to target and stop cancer cells from surviving and spreading through the body.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work in the applicant's lab and other studies have shown that mechanical forces can influence cancer cell survival and spread.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Rice University — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: King, Michael R. — Rice University
- Study coordinator: King, Michael R.
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 below.