Hub creating patient-derived cancer models and advanced tumor imaging tools
Core B: Biological Models, Multiplexed Optical Biopsy, Molecular Pathology, and Biostatistics Core
This project makes lab models from patient tumor samples and new imaging and data tools to help personalize treatment for people with skin and pancreatic cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195110 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team grows small 3D tumor models using tissue taken from people with skin cancer and develops advanced optical imaging methods to look inside tumors. They combine molecular pathology and statistical analysis to better understand when immune therapies might work best. The core provides these models, assays, and data support to multiple research projects so new treatments can be developed faster. Work focuses on tools that could eventually guide personalized timing and dosing of immune checkpoint treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with skin or pancreatic cancer who can provide tumor biopsy samples or receive care at participating centers.
Not a fit: People without skin or pancreatic cancer or those who cannot or do not want to provide tissue samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this core.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors time and tailor immune checkpoint therapies to be more effective and reduce side effects for skin and pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Patient-derived tumor organoids and advanced tumor imaging have shown promising results in research settings but are still being translated into routine clinical use.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spring, Bryan Quilty — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Spring, Bryan Quilty
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.