Understanding how cancer cells evolve and spread in triple-negative breast cancer
Official title: Decoding the co-evolution of cancer subclones and their ecosystem in TNBC multi-organ metastasis
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11101457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how triple-negative breast cancer spreads to different parts of the body, like the lungs and liver, by examining tissue samples from patients who have passed away, with the goal of finding better ways to treat this aggressive cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $676,584 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA299696-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who have experienced disease spread to multiple organs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those with non-triple-negative breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex ways in which triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells evolve and spread to multiple organs, such as the lungs, liver, and brain. By collecting postmortem tissue samples from patients, the study aims to analyze the genetic and molecular characteristics of cancer cells across different sites. Utilizing advanced technologies, researchers will measure DNA and RNA from single cells to understand how these cancer cells adapt and develop during metastasis. This approach seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind the aggressive nature of TNBC and improve treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cancer metastasis through genetic analysis, but this specific approach using postmortem samples is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Navin, Nicholas — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Navin, Nicholas
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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.