Understanding how cancer cells interact with blood vessel cells in liver metastasis of small cell lung cancer.
Official title: Dissecting reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and endothelial cells in SCLC liver metastasis.
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11012340 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how small cell lung cancer cells interact with the cells that line blood vessels, especially when the cancer spreads to the liver, to find out how these interactions might affect cancer growth and make treatments less effective, with the hope of discovering new ways to fight the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00CA256039-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012340 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, particularly those with liver metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage small cell lung cancer without metastasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells and endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, particularly in the context of liver metastasis. The study aims to understand how these interactions influence the progression of cancer and contribute to treatment resistance. Using innovative techniques, the researchers will observe and analyze the physical interactions between these cell types, which could reveal new therapeutic targets. By employing advanced genetic editing and sequencing methods, the research seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms at play in these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or disrupt the spread of small cell lung cancer to the liver.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer cell interactions with endothelial cells, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Rui — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Tang, Rui
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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.