Understanding how cancer cells' stiffness affects immune response during metastasis
Official title: A Mechanoimmunological Basis for Metastatic Site Preference
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10979732 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the stiffness of cancer cells affects the immune system's ability to find and fight them, especially in different parts of the body like bones and lungs, to help improve treatments for cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $577,034 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA286566-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979732 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic cancer, particularly those whose tumors have spread to rigid environments like bone.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with localized cancer that has not metastasized may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the mechanical properties of cancer cells influence the immune system's ability to target and destroy them. Specifically, it focuses on a process called mechanosurveillance, where immune cells respond not only to biochemical signals but also to the stiffness of cancer cells. By examining how different environments, such as bone and lung, affect the physical properties of cancer cells, the study aims to uncover new insights into how metastasis occurs and how immune responses can be enhanced. The research will involve laboratory experiments using various biological models to explore these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving immune responses against metastatic cancer, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of mechanosurveillance is relatively novel, preliminary findings suggest that understanding the mechanical properties of cancer cells could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huse, Morgan a — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Huse, Morgan a
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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.