Understanding how fibrotic tissue affects breast cancer treatment and stability

Fibrotic extracellular matrix: uncovering its role in breast cancer genome stability and metabolic plasticity

NIH-funded research Cornell University · NIH-10876405

This study is looking at how the tough tissue around breast cancer cells affects their ability to stay stable and resist treatments, especially in tougher cases like triple-negative breast cancer, to help find better ways to fight the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCornell University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ithaca, United States)
Project IDNIH-10876405 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) in breast cancer, particularly focusing on how it influences the stability of the cancer genome and the resistance to therapies. The study aims to explore the interactions between the tumor microenvironment and cancer cells, using advanced 3D tissue culture systems to simulate real tumor conditions. By examining how fibrotic ECM affects DNA damage response and metabolic processes in breast cancer cells, the research seeks to uncover new mechanisms that contribute to treatment resistance, especially in aggressive forms of breast cancer like triple-negative breast cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer, especially those with triple-negative breast cancer or those experiencing therapeutic resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with non-breast cancer conditions or those whose cancer is not influenced by the tumor microenvironment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for breast cancer patients, particularly those with treatment-resistant forms of the disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on fibrotic ECM in breast cancer is relatively novel, there have been successful studies exploring the tumor microenvironment's role in cancer treatment resistance.

Where this research is happening

Ithaca, 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 Anti-Cancer AgentsBasal Cell Cancer
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.