How pre-surgery chemotherapy affects breast cancer spread
Official title: Prometastatic Effects of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10915646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chemotherapy for breast cancer might sometimes help cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, and it aims to understand the role of certain immune cells in this process, which could lead to better treatment options for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00CA237851-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915646 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with early-stage breast cancer who are scheduled to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with metastatic breast cancer or those not receiving chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on breast cancer, particularly how it may inadvertently promote the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body. The study focuses on understanding the changes in the tumor microenvironment caused by chemotherapy, specifically the role of certain immune cells called macrophages. By examining these changes in both mouse models and patient-derived samples, the researchers aim to identify biomarkers and pathways that could help predict and potentially prevent chemotherapy-induced metastasis. This could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies that prevent the spread of breast cancer during chemotherapy, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated that understanding the tumor microenvironment can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karagiannis, George S — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Karagiannis, George S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Magnetic resonance fingerprinting to gauge chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A patient-facing look at using a special MRI method (MRF) to see early whether breast cancer is responding to preliminary chemotherapy.
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3D wearable NIR imaging to predict breast cancer response during treatment
A noninvasive, portable 3D wearable optical test (NIRS tomography) will be used to spot early signs of how breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy, helping guide treatment for patients.
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MRI fingerprinting to spot early breast tumor response to chemotherapy given before surgery
This project uses a new MRI method to find early changes in breast tumors during chemotherapy given before surgery so doctors can change treatment sooner if needed.
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Improving how we track breast cancer chemotherapy with 3D imaging
This project aims to develop a new 3D ultrasound method to see how well chemotherapy is working for breast cancer patients before surgery.
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New Wearable Imaging to See How Breast Cancer Responds to Chemotherapy
This project is developing a new wearable imaging device to help doctors see very early if breast cancer treatment is working for patients receiving chemotherapy before surgery.
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Using 3D wearable technology to predict breast cancer treatment outcomes
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use imaging method that helps doctors see how well chemotherapy is working for breast cancer patients, so they can better understand how much cancer is left after treatment and improve chances for a healthier future.
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.