How different macrophage types affect breast cancer spread
Official title: Divergent functions of macrophage subtypes on local and distant recurrence
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11335053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how two kinds of immune cells called macrophages might influence whether early breast lesions stay local or spread, with the goal of understanding which lesions could become more dangerous.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | August 26, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $512,263 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA295557-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335053 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with early breast cancer lesions, including DCIS, who are seeking to understand risk of progression and recurrence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose DCIS lesions do not involve the macrophage pathways studied or who have low-risk disease may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how distinct macrophage subtypes in breast tissue may drive local and distant recurrence of early breast cancer, especially ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). By comparing resident tissue macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages, the study aims to understand how the immune environment shapes progression and dissemination. The findings could shed light on why some DCIS lesions progress to invasive cancer and help identify biomarkers or targets to prevent spread. The work combines biological analyses with patient-relevant questions about anxiety and prognosis in DCIS management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to better predictions of which DCIS lesions may become invasive and inform new strategies to prevent recurrence.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown macrophage subtypes influence cancer progression, but translating this to predictive tools for DCIS is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Entenberg, David — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Entenberg, David
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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.