NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how inflammation affects the immune environment in tumors

Official title: Investigating the Genesis of Tumor Immune Microenvironment (TIME) as a function of Inflammation

Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11210737 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how inflammation affects the immune system in breast cancer, especially in tumors that don’t have T cells, to find ways to boost the body’s ability to fight the cancer and improve treatment outcomes, including the potential benefits of using aspirin.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project startDecember 1, 2022
Project endNovember 30, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$163,393
NIH project number3R01CA270332-03S1
Project IDNIH-11210737 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include breast cancer patients, especially those with cold tumors or those who have undergone radiation therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with tumors that are already responsive to immunotherapy or those without breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how inflammation influences the immune microenvironment in breast cancer, particularly focusing on tumors that lack T cells, known as 'cold' tumors. The study aims to identify the biological factors that lead to these immunosuppressive environments, using a model that mimics the effects of radiation therapy. By examining the role of systemic inflammation and treatments like aspirin, the research seeks to uncover potential strategies to enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the immune response against breast cancer, particularly for patients with cold tumors.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tumor immune microenvironments and the role of inflammation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Francisco
    San Francisco, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Barcellos-Hoff, Mary Helen — University of California, San Francisco
  • Study coordinator: Barcellos-Hoff, Mary Helen

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.