Stopping the interactions between cancer, nerves, and immune cells that let tumors grow in the brain
Deconvolution and interruption of the cancer-neuro-immune axis facilitating brain metastases
This program aims to find and block the signals between cancer cells, brain cells, and the immune system that let cancers spread to and grow in the brain, to help people with cancers at risk of brain metastases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174229 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This consortium brings together brain and cancer experts to collect and study human brain tumor tissue and related samples, and to share those specimens and technologies across labs. Researchers use advanced lab models, CRISPR-based screening, and immune and nervous system analyses to pinpoint what helps cancer cells colonize the brain. Core facilities make patient samples and cutting-edge tools widely available so findings can move toward new treatments. The overall goal is to discover targets that can be blocked to prevent or treat brain metastases and improve patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with cancers known to spread to the brain or patients who already have brain metastases, especially those receiving care at or willing to travel to participating centers.
Not a fit: People with cancers that very rarely spread to the brain or those seeking immediate approved therapies may not see direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat brain metastases, improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Related work targeting tumor microenvironments and immune interactions has shown promise, but this integrated human-focused approach combining CRISPR screens and neuro-immune studies is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hayden Gephart, Melanie — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Hayden Gephart, Melanie
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.