Understanding how certain immune cells contribute to cancer spread in the lungs
Official title: Differentiation and function of transitional monocytes in cancer metastasis to the lung
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10988233 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called transitional monocytes help cancer spread to the lungs, and it hopes to find new ways to improve treatments for patients dealing with lung metastasis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 28, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $44,483 |
| NIH project number | 5F31CA284549-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988233 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors that have a risk of metastasizing to the lungs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not metastasize to the lungs or those with non-solid tumors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of transitional monocytes in the process of cancer metastasis to the lungs. It focuses on how these immune cells differentiate into macrophages that support tumor growth and how they interact with other immune cells, like natural killer cells, during the early stages of metastasis. By studying these interactions and the signals involved, the research aims to uncover critical factors that influence cancer spread and potentially identify new therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to improved treatments for lung metastasis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating lung metastasis in cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell interactions in cancer metastasis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Minhee (Emily) — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Park, Minhee (Emily)
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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.