Understanding how fluid affects the spread of early cancer cells in the fallopian tubes
Official title: Profiling the Fluid Assisted Dissemination of Pre-malignant cells in Fallopian Tubes
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10884499 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the movement of fluid in the belly affects the growth and spread of early cancer cells from the fallopian tubes, with the hope that understanding this process can help find and treat ovarian cancer sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $578,012 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA282790-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884499 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women with a family history of ovarian cancer or those who carry genetic mutations such as BRCA1.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer or those without any family history of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fluid flow in the abdominal cavity influences the movement and growth of early cancer cells that originate from the fallopian tubes. By using advanced microfluidic devices and bioreactors, researchers will study human and mouse fallopian tube cells with genetic mutations to observe how they replicate, migrate, and respond to fluid shear stress. The goal is to understand the mechanisms that allow these cells to spread and form tumors, which could lead to earlier detection and treatment of ovarian cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer, potentially reducing mortality rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer cell behavior in fluid environments, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehta, Geeta — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Mehta, Geeta
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.