Understanding how breast cancer progresses and resists treatment

Project 3: Systematic characterization of factors controlling breast cancer progression and resistance

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10905012

This study is looking at how breast cancer grows and resists treatment by using special lab models that mimic tumors, so we can better understand the genes involved in cancer returning and hiding from the immune system, especially for those at higher risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10905012 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the factors that contribute to the progression of breast cancer and its resistance to therapies. By using advanced 3D cell culture models that mimic the tumor environment, researchers aim to identify the genetic regulators involved in cancer relapse and immune evasion. The study employs CRISPR technology to manipulate genes and observe their effects on cancer behavior, focusing on specific high-risk subgroups of breast cancer. This approach allows for a more accurate understanding of how breast cancer cells evade treatment and the immune system.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, particularly those with hormone receptor-positive subtypes at high risk of relapse.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those whose cancer is not hormone receptor-positive may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing breast cancer relapse and improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using similar 3D culture models and CRISPR technology has shown promising results in understanding cancer biology and treatment resistance.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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.
Conditions Breast CancerBreast Cancer CellBreast Cancer Risk Factor
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.