How nerves in breast tumors help cancer spread
Project-1: Defining the mechanisms by which neurons promote breast cancer metastasis
Researchers are figuring out how nerve cells in and around breast tumors help cancer move to other parts of the body, aiming to find new ways to stop metastasis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163230 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how neurons and blood-vessel cells in the tumor environment talk to breast cancer cells and promote metastasis. Scientists will use lab-grown 3D cell systems, imaging and tracing techniques to identify which nerve cell types connect to tumors. They will test effects of removing or blocking nerves in animals and study a blood-vessel signal called Slit2 that seems to encourage both nerve growth and spread. If patients donate tumor samples, those samples may be used to compare human tissue with the lab and animal findings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer—especially those with invasive or metastatic tumors or those willing to donate tumor tissue—would be the most relevant candidates to contribute or be enrolled in related patient-facing parts of this work.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer or those seeking immediate clinical therapy are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new treatments that block nerve-related signals and reduce breast cancer metastasis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies indicate nerves can promote progression in some cancers and that blocking endothelial Slit2 reduces metastasis in models, but applying these findings specifically to breast cancer is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Rockefeller University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tavazoie, Sohail F. — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Tavazoie, Sohail F.
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.