Understanding how dormant breast cancer cells can reactivate and cause metastasis

Epigenetic and metabolic bottlenecks of tumorigenesis

NIH-funded research H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-10883160

This study is looking at why some breast cancer cells can stay hidden and inactive for a long time after treatment but might come back later, and it aims to find new ways to stop these cells from causing cancer to return, which could help improve future treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project IDNIH-10883160 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind dormant breast cancer cells that can remain inactive for long periods after treatment but may later reactivate and lead to metastasis. The team will explore how changes in chromatin, the material that makes up chromosomes, affect the behavior of these cells. By studying a specific histone variant and its role in cell fate transitions, the research aims to uncover new insights into how to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. This could lead to improved therapies that target these dormant cells more effectively.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients who have completed initial treatment and are at risk of recurrence due to dormant cancer cells.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage breast cancer who have not yet undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent the recurrence of breast cancer by targeting dormant cancer cells.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of chromatin remodeling in cancer progression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Tampa, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast CancerBreast Cancer CellBreast Cancer Patient
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.