How changes in surrounding breast tissue may signal early ductal cancer becoming invasive
Modeling the role and regulation of reactive stroma in breast ductal carcinoma microinvasions
This project looks at how changes in the tissue around early ductal breast cancers (DCIS) might signal when they become invasive, using patient tissue samples, 3D lab-grown tumor models, and computer models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170625 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will examine biopsy and surgical tissue samples from people with DCIS to identify signs of 'reactive stroma' that may appear before cancer cells invade. They will grow 3D tumor organoids in the lab under different metabolic conditions to observe how surrounding cells and acidity influence tumor behavior. Mathematical models and imaging algorithms will be used to link the lab findings to patterns seen in patient histology and medical images. The combined approach aims to define molecular and physical signatures that could inform prevention and early-treatment decisions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or early invasive ductal carcinoma who can provide biopsy or surgical tissue samples or have accessible imaging and pathology data.
Not a fit: People with non-ductal breast cancers, advanced metastatic disease, or without available tissue or imaging records are unlikely to directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work may help doctors predict which DCIS cases are likely to become invasive and point to new ways to prevent or treat early breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work combining patient samples, 3D organoids, and computational modeling has shed light on tumor–stroma interactions, but applying these methods specifically to predict DCIS microinvasion is a relatively new effort.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rejniak, Katarzyna Anna — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Rejniak, Katarzyna Anna
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.