Understanding how breast cancer spreads and comes back after treatment
Official title: Project 1:Evolutionary dynamics and drivers of breast cancer metastasis and relapse
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10905005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breast cancer spreads and comes back, using data from many patients to find early signs of these changes, so that doctors can offer more personalized care and better support for people with different types of breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $360,159 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA261719-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10905005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, particularly those with high-risk subtypes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced-stage breast cancer or those who have already experienced multiple relapses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex patterns of breast cancer metastasis and relapse, focusing on how and when cancer cells spread to other parts of the body. By using advanced computational models and analyzing data from thousands of breast cancer patients, the team aims to identify early signs of metastasis that may occur years before the primary tumor is detected. The study also examines different subtypes of breast cancer to understand their unique relapse patterns, which could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for patients. Overall, the research seeks to improve predictions about cancer recurrence and inform better aftercare strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of metastatic breast cancer and more effective treatment plans, ultimately improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding breast cancer metastasis using similar computational approaches, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Curtis, Christina N — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Curtis, Christina N
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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.