Tracking how neural stem cells move to brain tumors in breast cancer patients
Official title: Spatial and Temporal Tracking of Neural Stem Cells Migration to Brain Metastases of Breast Cancer using High Resolution Imaging
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11022299 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special brain cells called neural stem cells move towards tumors in the brains of breast cancer patients, with the hope of using these cells to deliver better treatments directly to the tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $696,133 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA297777-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022299 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer who have developed brain metastases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without breast cancer or those whose brain metastases are not accessible for treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the movement of neural stem cells (NSCs) towards brain metastases in patients with breast cancer. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to monitor the behavior of these stem cells in real-time within the brain environment. The goal is to develop targeted therapies that utilize NSCs to deliver anti-tumor treatments directly to brain tumors, potentially overcoming the limitations of current therapies. This approach could lead to more effective treatment options for patients suffering from multiple brain metastases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients with breast cancer brain metastases, improving their prognosis and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using neural stem cells for targeted therapy in brain tumors, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balyasnikova, Irina V — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Balyasnikova, Irina V
Related research
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Following neural stem cells that target breast cancer spread in the brain
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Better drug delivery for breast cancer that has spread to the brain
New methods to deliver cancer-fighting drugs into the brain for people whose breast cancer has spread there.
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Improving treatment for breast cancer that has spread to the brain
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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.