How tiny tumor particles (exosomes) help triple-negative breast cancer spread
A physical sciences approach to investigate the role of exosomes in metastatic progression
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11169899
The project looks at whether tumor stiffness changes tiny particles called exosomes so triple-negative breast cancer can hide from the immune system and spread.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11169899 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work focuses on triple-negative breast cancer and how the stiffness of the tumor's surrounding tissue may change the number and contents of exosomes released by cancer cells. Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania and UCSF will use engineered tissue models and TNBC cells in the lab to change extracellular matrix stiffness and collect exosomes for analysis. They will test how these exosomes affect immune cells and whether they help prepare distant tissues for metastasis, using cell-based assays and animal models as needed. By combining bioengineering, mechanobiology, and cancer immunology, the team aims to find mechanisms that could point to new biomarkers or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with triple-negative breast cancer or those willing to donate tumor tissue or blood for research would be most relevant to this project.
Not a fit: Patients with non-breast cancers or non-triple-negative breast cancers may not directly benefit from this project's findings in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new ways to detect or block signals that let TNBC evade immunity and spread.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows tumor exosomes can suppress immunity and aid metastasis, but directly linking tissue stiffness to exosome composition is a newer approach with limited clinical validation.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RADHAKRISHNAN, RAVI — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: RADHAKRISHNAN, RAVI
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer Cell, Breast Cancer Model, Breast Cancer Patient, Cancer Biology