Investigating how certain immune signals affect the growth of lymphatic vessels in tumors
Official title: Role of Th2 cytokines in progenitor-mediated formation of tumor lymphatics
Funded at Southern Illinois University Sch of Med · NIH-10950031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells help form new lymphatic vessels in breast cancer, which can affect how the cancer spreads, and it's hoping to find new ways to treat patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Illinois University Sch of Med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Springfield, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $445,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA283669-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer who have lymph node involvement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those without lymph node metastasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Th2 cytokines in the formation of lymphatic vessels associated with tumors, particularly in breast cancer. It examines how bone marrow-derived progenitor cells contribute to the development of these vessels, which are linked to the spread of cancer to lymph nodes and other organs. By studying specific immune cell types and their markers, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that promote tumor lymphatics, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. Patients with metastatic breast cancer may provide valuable insights into the behavior of these progenitor cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for breast cancer by targeting the mechanisms that facilitate tumor spread through lymphatic vessels.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the role of immune cells in tumor progression can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Southern Illinois University Sch of Med
Springfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ran, Sophia — Southern Illinois University Sch of Med
- Study coordinator: Ran, Sophia
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.