The role of aging cells in breast cancer progression
Official title: Senescent CAFs in Breast Cancer Progression
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11170331 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain aging cells in breast cancer, called senescent cancer-associated fibroblasts, affect the growth and spread of tumors, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatment for people with different types of breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $388,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG088264-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170331 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 50-70 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with triple-negative or estrogen receptor-positive subtypes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer who do not exhibit senescent cancer-associated fibroblasts may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging cells, specifically senescent cancer-associated fibroblasts (senCAFs), contribute to the progression of breast cancer. It focuses on understanding the different roles of these fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment, particularly in various types of breast cancer such as triple-negative and estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers. The study aims to explore how senCAFs influence tumor growth and metastasis by altering the extracellular matrix and immune responses. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving breast cancer treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating breast cancer by targeting senescent cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts in other cancer types, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in breast cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stewart, Sheila a — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Stewart, Sheila a
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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.