NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding how mechanical properties of tissues affect cancer spread

Official title: A Mechanoimmunological Basis for Metastatic Site Preference

Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10998481 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how the stiffness of different tissues in the body affects where cancer cells move and spread, with the hope of finding new ways to treat metastatic cancer that could help patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startJuly 6, 2024
Project endJuly 5, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$48,974
NIH project number1F31CA294974-01
Project IDNIH-10998481 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic cancer, particularly those with bone metastases.

Less likely to help

Patients with localized cancer that has not spread or those with non-cancerous conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how the mechanical properties of different tissues influence where cancer cells spread in the body. By examining the stiffness of various environments, the study aims to understand how cancer cells interact with immune cells, particularly during the process of metastasis. The research employs advanced techniques like atomic force microscopy and single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze these interactions in detail. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting metastatic cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce the spread of cancer to specific organs.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanical properties of tissues and their influence on cancer progression, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Elbanna, Yassmin — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
  • Study coordinator: Elbanna, Yassmin

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.