Reversing cancer cell changes that help tumors spread using special materials and heat.
Official title: Reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in metastatic cancer cells using engineered nanomaterials and a mild photothermal effect
Funded at South Dakota School of Mines and Techn'y · NIH-10514841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | South Dakota School of Mines and Techn'y NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rapid City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $413,479 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA274349-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10514841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic cancer who are experiencing treatment resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancer or those whose cancer has not undergone EMT may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
South Dakota School of Mines and Techn'y
Rapid City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Congzhou — South Dakota School of Mines and Techn'y
- Study coordinator: Wang, Congzhou
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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.