Lab-grown breast tissue models to find prevention targets for high-risk women
In vitro models as a window to learn how to change outcomes in women at high risk of developing breast cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11160713
Researchers are growing mini breast tissues from patient samples to find targets that could help prevent breast cancer in women at higher risk, such as BRCA mutation carriers or those with high MRI background parenchymal enhancement.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11160713 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You may be asked to provide a small sample of breast tissue or allow existing tissue to be used to grow organoids, which are tiny lab-grown copies of breast tissue. Scientists will analyze those organoids and original tissue using single-cell RNA sequencing, mass cytometry, and advanced imaging to identify specific cell types and pathways linked to higher cancer risk. They will compare samples from women with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, high background parenchymal enhancement on MRI, or precancerous changes like DCIS and look at how cells respond to hormonal therapies. The aim is to find targets and markers that could guide personalized prevention and identify who might benefit from particular preventive treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women at increased breast cancer risk, for example those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, high background parenchymal enhancement on breast MRI, or precancerous changes such as atypia or DCIS.
Not a fit: Women at average population risk or those who cannot provide or send tissue samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit in the near term because the project focuses on lab models and target discovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to personalized prevention options that lower breast cancer risk for women with genetic or imaging-based indicators of higher risk.
How similar studies have performed: Organoid culture and single-cell methods have produced important biological insights, but applying them to guide personalized breast cancer prevention for high-risk women is a newer approach with limited direct clinical proof so far.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROSENBLUTH, JENNIFER M. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: ROSENBLUTH, JENNIFER M.
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.