Understanding how breast cancer cells spread to the brain
Mechanisms of SEMA4D mediated breast cancer to brain metastasis
This study is looking at how some breast cancer cells can travel to the brain and cause problems, and it's specifically focusing on a receptor called SEMA4D to find ways to stop this from happening, which could help patients with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10922826 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain breast cancer cells, known as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and lead to brain metastasis. By studying the role of a specific receptor called SEMA4D, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that allow these cancer cells to invade the brain. The study involves using patient-derived CTCs and various laboratory techniques to explore the signaling pathways that facilitate this process. The ultimate goal is to identify potential targets for preventing or treating brain metastasis in breast cancer patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients who have circulating tumor cells and are at risk for brain metastasis.
Not a fit: Patients with breast cancer who do not have circulating tumor cells or those whose cancer has not spread to the brain may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for predicting, preventing, or treating brain metastasis in breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of cancer metastasis, but this specific approach focusing on SEMA4D and the BBB is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Min — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Yu, Min
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.