NIH-funded research R21 grant

Identifying markers to predict which ductal carcinoma in situ may become invasive

Official title: Mapping ductal carcinoma in situ in space and time to reveal biomarkers that can predict invasive risk

Funded at Flanders Interuniv Inst Biotechnology · NIH-11067856 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a type of non-invasive breast cancer called DCIS to find clues that can help doctors know which cases might turn into more serious cancer, so they can create better, more personalized treatment plans for patients.

More Carcinoma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFlanders Interuniv Inst Biotechnology
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gent, Belgium)
Project startMay 1, 2024
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$141,625
NIH project number5R21CA277279-02
Project IDNIH-11067856 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ who are currently facing treatment decisions.

Less likely to help

Patients with invasive breast cancer or those who do not have a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive breast cancer, to identify biomarkers that can predict which cases may progress to invasive breast cancer. The study utilizes a unique living biobank of patient-derived xenograft models to observe the natural progression of DCIS over time. By analyzing various molecular subtypes and growth patterns, the research aims to improve understanding of DCIS dynamics and reduce unnecessary treatments for patients. This approach could lead to more personalized treatment plans based on individual risk assessments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce overtreatment and associated side effects for women diagnosed with DCIS.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using biobank models to study cancer progression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Flanders Interuniv Inst Biotechnology
    Gent, Belgium
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Scheele, Colinda — Flanders Interuniv Inst Biotechnology
  • Study coordinator: Scheele, Colinda

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.