Understanding how brain cells help cancer spread in the brain
Neural Niche in Promoting Brain Metastatic Tumor Progression
This study is looking at how the environment in the brain affects the growth of cancer that has spread there, especially how certain brain cells interact with tumor cells, to help create better treatments for people with brain metastasis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10880719 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the brain's microenvironment, known as the 'niche', in the progression of metastatic tumors in the brain. It focuses on how different types of brain cells, particularly neural stem/progenitor cells, interact with tumor cells and influence the immune response during cancer spread. By studying these interactions, the research aims to develop targeted therapies that can effectively combat brain metastasis. Patients with brain metastasis may benefit from insights gained about the mechanisms driving tumor progression in this unique environment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with brain metastasis from various primary cancers.
Not a fit: Patients with primary brain tumors that do not involve metastasis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve outcomes for patients with brain metastasis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tumor microenvironments, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Siyuan — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Siyuan
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.