How gut nerve and lymphatic networks affect colon cancer spread

Project-2:Defining the role of compartmentalized neuro-lymphatic networks on CRC and metastatic progression

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY · NIH-11163232

This project looks at whether connections between gut nerves and lymphatic vessels influence colorectal cancer growth and spread for people with colon cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11163232 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

From a patient perspective, researchers are mapping how lymphatic vessels and nerves in different parts of the intestine communicate and carry immune cells or cancer cells. They will use tissue tracing, laboratory models, and analysis of collected samples to see how these networks might help or hinder cancer leaving the gut and forming metastases. The team aims to link these basic biology findings to human colorectal cancer by comparing patterns seen in models with human tissue or sample data. Results may point to new ways to stop cancer cells from spreading.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with colorectal cancer or those willing to donate tumor or normal intestinal tissue or related samples for research.

Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer or those not able to provide tissue or travel to the study site are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to prevent or reduce colorectal cancer metastasis, potentially improving survival and treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical studies suggest lymphatic and nerve signals can affect tumor spread, but applying these findings specifically to human colorectal cancer is still emerging.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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: Cancers

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.