Understanding how breast cancer cells change and spread

Uncovering the basis and implications of lineage plasticity in breast cancer

NIH-funded research Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11006258

This study is looking at how some breast cancer cells change and become more aggressive, which might help them spread and resist treatment, and the findings could lead to new therapies that improve care for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-11006258 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how breast cancer cells can change their characteristics, which may help them spread to other parts of the body. By examining the genetic and cellular changes that occur in breast cancer, particularly focusing on a transition known as luminal-to-basal transition, the research aims to uncover why some tumors are more aggressive and resistant to treatment. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapies targeting these changes, improving treatment outcomes. The study employs advanced genetic analysis and cellular models to explore these mechanisms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with luminal B subtype breast cancer who are undergoing treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with non-breast cancers or those with early-stage breast cancer that has not progressed may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that specifically target the mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding tumor plasticity and its role in cancer progression, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.