Understanding how breast cancer cells interact with their environment during metastasis
Official title: Characterizing CAFs in Metastasis as a Function of Breast Cancer Cell Phenotype
Funded at Rice University · NIH-10989935 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tissue around breast cancer cells affects how the cancer spreads, using special 3D models to see how the stiffness and structure of that tissue influence the cancer's behavior, which could help develop new treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $100,656 |
| NIH project number | 5K00CA264734-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989935 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer types or those without metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between breast cancer cells and their surrounding tissue, focusing on how changes in the tissue environment can influence cancer spread. By using advanced 3D modeling techniques, the study aims to explore how the stiffness and structure of the tissue affect the behavior of cancer cells, particularly their ability to migrate and proliferate. The research will analyze the role of specific proteins, like fibronectin, in this process and how they contribute to the formation of metastases. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that inhibit the spread of breast cancer, potentially increasing survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the tumor microenvironment's role in cancer metastasis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Libring, Sarah — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Libring, Sarah
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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.