Understanding how cancer spreads to the brain
Determine the mechanisms of acquired brain-tropism
This study is looking into how cancer cells move to the brain, which can happen in people with advanced cancer, and aims to find ways to spot those at higher risk so they can get help sooner, while also exploring how immune cells might help in developing new treatments.
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 ID | NIH-11175048 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to migrate to the brain, which is a common complication for patients with advanced cancer. By using biological models, the study aims to identify both the intrinsic characteristics of tumors and the external factors in the brain environment that contribute to this process. The goal is to develop predictive models that can help identify patients at high risk for brain metastases, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. The research also explores the role of immune cells in this process, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancer who are at risk of developing brain metastases.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancer or those whose cancer has not spread to the brain may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and treatment options for patients with advanced cancer at risk of brain metastases.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding cancer metastasis, but this approach is exploring novel mechanisms that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ji, Hanlee P — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Ji, Hanlee P
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 below.