Understanding how fluid affects the spread of early cancer cells in the fallopian tubes

Profiling the Fluid Assisted Dissemination of Pre-malignant cells in Fallopian Tubes

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10884499

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 typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10884499 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women with a family history of ovarian cancer or those who carry genetic mutations such as BRCA1.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Ann Arbor, 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.
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.