Understanding how aggressive breast cancer spreads through lymphatic and blood vessels
Official title: Deciphering the Mechanism of Lymphovascular Space Invasion Using a Lymphovascularized Bioengineering Breast Stromal Platform
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11103404 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer cells spread in advanced breast cancer by using a special 3D model to see how they interact with their surroundings, especially focusing on the role of certain immune cells, to help find better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | June 4, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $655,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284102-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103404 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with advanced or inflammatory breast cancer who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those whose cancer has not shown aggressive characteristics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), a process where cancer cells invade lymphatic and blood vessels, which is crucial for the spread of aggressive breast cancer. Using a novel 3D bioengineered platform, the study aims to recreate the complex interactions between cancer cells and their environment, allowing for better understanding and potential treatment strategies. The research will utilize both in vitro and animal models to explore how specific immune cells, like macrophages, contribute to LVSI formation. By identifying these mechanisms, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to improved therapies for patients with advanced breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that prevent the spread of aggressive breast cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using bioengineered platforms to study cancer mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rylander, Marissa Nichole — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Rylander, Marissa Nichole
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.