Implantable scaffold to track breast cancer and immune changes after treatment
Tissue engineering tools for monitoring the cellular and molecular response to therapy
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11369513
A small implantable scaffold is designed to capture immune cells and hidden tumor cells so doctors can track how triple-negative breast cancer is responding to therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11369513 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a tiny porous implant that lets your own cells and blood vessels grow into it so it can sample local immune and molecular activity. In animal models the scaffold attracts immune cells and sometimes tumor cells that mirror changes seen in organs where cancer can return. Over time the team plans to collect samples from the implant to look for signs of remaining disease or early signs of recurrence after neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy. The approach aims to provide a longer-term, local window into systemic disease beyond standard imaging and biopsies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with triple-negative breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant therapy and planned adjuvant immunotherapy who want closer monitoring for hidden residual disease.
Not a fit: Patients with other breast cancer subtypes, those not receiving systemic therapy, or those who cannot undergo a minor implant procedure may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could find leftover or returning cancer earlier and help personalize follow-up care and treatment choices.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in mice have shown these synthetic niches can attract immune and tumor cells, but using an implant for routine patient monitoring is largely novel and not yet proven in people.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHEA, LONNIE D — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: SHEA, LONNIE 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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Cell, Detectable Residual Disease