Understanding how chromosome changes affect cancer in lab-grown models
Official title: Quantitative analysis and manipulation of chromosome dynamics in cancer organoids
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11021047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the number of chromosomes in breast cancer cells can affect how tumors grow and respond to treatment, using special 3D models to help us learn more about these cancer cells and their behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $226,507 |
| NIH project number | 5R61CA278518-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021047 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with breast cancer, particularly those whose tumors exhibit aneuploidy or significant genetic diversity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers that do not exhibit chromosomal abnormalities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex behavior of cancer cells, particularly focusing on how variations in chromosome numbers can influence tumor growth and treatment resistance. By using advanced 3D models of breast cancer, the study aims to analyze how these chromosome dynamics contribute to the diversity of cancer cell populations within tumors. The approach involves manipulating and observing cancer organoids to better understand the role of aneuploidy in cancer progression and therapy response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for targeting cancer cells more effectively, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using 3D cancer models to study tumor behavior, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements in understanding cancer dynamics.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wittmann, Torsten — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Wittmann, Torsten
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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.