Tumor environment markers that signal when early breast cancer becomes invasive
Tumor microenvironmental biomarkers of breast cancer invasion
This project looks at changes around early breast tumors to find markers that tell people with DCIS which tumors are likely to become invasive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247987 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will analyze patient tissue and animal models to catalog features linked to the shift from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast cancer. In the lab they will use tunable 3-D cell cultures to test which of those features actually cause tumor cells to invade. Findings that appear causal will then be checked against patient cohorts to see if they improve predictions for outcomes. The work focuses on extracellular matrix structure and mechanics plus the roles of fibroblasts and macrophages in driving invasion.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with DCIS or early-stage breast cancer who can provide tissue samples or clinical data.
Not a fit: People with unrelated health conditions or those with advanced metastatic breast cancer are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce tests that predict which DCIS cases will progress and identify new ways to prevent invasive breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have found correlations between microenvironment features and progression, but this integrated causal approach combining patient tissue, 3-D models, and animal work is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: West, Robert B — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: West, Robert B
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.