Understanding how fluids move through dense tumors
Computational and theoretical fluid mechanics modeling for transport in dense tumors
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11143128
This project builds computer and lab models to map how fluids and drugs flow into dense tumors, with a focus on pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FARGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143128 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will create advanced computer fluid-dynamics models to simulate how liquid moves through the spaces inside dense tumors. They will base their simulations on CT images of human pancreatic tumors grown in mice and will test model predictions in lab experiments using microfluidic devices and artificial tumor spheroids. The team will combine established fluid laws with detailed geometry and tissue-fiber packing information to predict perfusion patterns. The goal is to create a validated in-silico framework that works across many tumor shapes and tissue conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with dense solid tumors such as pancreatic cancer, or those willing to share imaging data or tumor samples for research, would be the most relevant contributors to this project.
Not a fit: Patients without dense solid tumors or those looking for immediate therapeutic benefit are unlikely to gain direct clinical improvements from this modeling-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors predict where imaging agents and drugs reach inside tumors, potentially improving diagnosis and delivery of therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Related small-scale modeling and microfluidic experiments have shown promise, but this integrated CFD-informed approach is more comprehensive and relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
FARGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY — FARGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BASU, SAIKAT — NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BASU, SAIKAT
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 below.
Conditions: Cancerous