Understanding how bone marrow affects breast cancer cell dormancy and spread.
Bone marrow niche regulation of disseminated tumor cell dormancy, reactivation, and metastasis.
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-10949016
This study is looking at how breast cancer cells can hide in the bone marrow and what makes them wake up again, which can cause the cancer to spread, with the hope of finding new ways to stop this from happening in patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10949016 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how breast cancer cells can remain dormant in the bone marrow and what triggers their reactivation, which can lead to metastasis. By developing a mouse model and utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to explore the interactions between cancer cells and the bone marrow environment. The goal is to identify the mechanisms that regulate these processes, which could help in developing therapies to prevent cancer recurrence in patients. Patient samples will also be analyzed to gain insights into the spatial organization of the bone marrow niche.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer who are at risk of metastatic relapse.
Not a fit: Patients with non-breast cancer conditions or those whose cancer is not estrogen receptor-positive may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent the reactivation of dormant cancer cells, reducing the risk of metastatic breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding cancer dormancy and metastasis, but this specific approach using bone marrow interactions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BUSHNELL, GRACE GILMORE — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: BUSHNELL, GRACE GILMORE
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.