How pressure and blood flow affect tumor cells in the bloodstream
Project1: The role of intravascular pressure and shear stress on tumor cell arrest, survival and proliferation in the microvascular niche
This study is looking at how cancer cells that travel in the blood manage to survive and grow, which could help us find better ways to stop or treat cancer that spreads to other parts of the body.
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-10911871 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how circulating tumor cells (CTCs) survive and proliferate in the challenging environment of blood vessels. By creating specialized in vitro models that mimic the microvascular networks, the study aims to understand the interactions between tumor cells and their surroundings, including blood platelets and immune cells. The researchers will explore the mechanisms that allow some CTCs to overcome physical stressors and successfully establish metastases. This could lead to insights into how to prevent or treat metastatic cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic cancer, particularly those with circulating tumor cells in their bloodstream.
Not a fit: Patients with localized cancer that has not spread or those without circulating tumor cells may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing the spread of cancer and improving treatment outcomes for patients with metastatic disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
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.