Reversing cancer cell changes that help tumors spread using special materials and heat.

Reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in metastatic cancer cells using engineered nanomaterials and a mild photothermal effect

NIH-funded research South Dakota School of Mines and Techn'y · NIH-10514841

This study is exploring a new way to help people with metastatic cancer by using special materials and gentle heat to make cancer cells easier to treat with regular chemotherapy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSouth Dakota School of Mines and Techn'y NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rapid City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10514841 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on a novel approach to combat metastatic cancer, which is responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths. It aims to reverse a process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells, which enhances their ability to spread and resist treatment. By using engineered black phosphorus nanosheets combined with mild heat, the researchers hope to specifically target and reverse EMT in these cells, making them more susceptible to traditional chemotherapy. This innovative method could potentially improve the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic cancer who are experiencing treatment resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancer or those whose cancer has not undergone EMT may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for metastatic cancer, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While targeting EMT is a promising area of research, this specific approach using engineered nanomaterials and mild photothermal effects is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Where this research is happening

Rapid City, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Anti-Cancer AgentsCancer DrugNeoplastic Disease Chemotherapeutic Agentsanti-cancer druganticancer agent
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.