Testing cancer drugs on real tumor samples using advanced technology
Official title: Multiplexed drug testing of micro-dissected tumors using a microfluidic platform with integrated electrochemical aptasensors
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11060051 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to check how well cancer drugs work by using tiny sensors and fluid technology on real tumor samples, which could help doctors find more effective treatments just for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $662,835 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272677-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060051 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancer who are undergoing treatment and have tumor biopsies available for testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have accessible tumor biopsies or those with non-cancerous conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new platform that combines electrochemical sensors with microfluidics to test cancer drugs on actual tumor biopsies. By using this innovative approach, the study aims to measure cell death and cytokine release in response to treatments over time, providing more accurate data than traditional methods. This technology seeks to improve the drug testing process by better mimicking the human tumor environment, which could lead to more effective cancer therapies. Patients may benefit from this research as it aims to enhance the precision of personalized cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized cancer treatments by improving the accuracy of drug testing.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise with similar technologies, but this specific approach is innovative and aims to overcome existing limitations in cancer drug testing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Folch, Albert — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Folch, Albert
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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.