Understanding how cancer spreads to the brain
Official title: Multi-cellular interactions defining the human brain metastatic niche
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11074684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how lung cancer spreads to the brain in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, aiming to find out what makes this happen so that we can improve treatments and help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $692,427 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA280414-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who are experiencing brain metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancer or those whose cancer has not spread to the brain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind brain metastasis, particularly in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. By analyzing cellular interactions and the microenvironment of brain tumors, the study aims to uncover the biological factors that contribute to the spread of cancer to the brain. Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers will identify key drivers of brain metastasis and explore how these factors affect treatment responses. The goal is to enhance our understanding of brain metastasis to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment strategies for patients with brain metastasis, potentially improving their prognosis and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cancer metastasis through similar cellular and molecular approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Izar, Benjamin — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Izar, Benjamin
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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.