How mechanical factors influence cancer spread and growth in different organs
Mechanical determinants of organ-selective metastatic colonization, dormancy and outgrowth
This study is looking at how cancer cells move to other parts of the body and what helps them stay quiet or start growing again, with the goal of finding better treatments for people with metastatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10911866 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanical factors that affect how cancer cells spread to different organs and how they can remain dormant or grow. By using advanced in vivo and in vitro models, the team aims to replicate the metastatic process and analyze cell behavior in real-time. The study combines experimental methods with computational analysis to understand the stressors tumor cells face in their new environments, which could lead to targeted therapies for metastatic cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic cancer or those at high risk of developing metastases.
Not a fit: Patients with localized cancers that have not spread or those with non-cancerous conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce the spread of cancer, improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cancer metastasis through similar mechanical and biological approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kamm, Roger D — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Kamm, Roger D
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.