Understanding how the breast cancer tissue environment affects tumor growth and spread

Project 2: Cellular topography and function of the breast cancer tissue microenvironment

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10905008

This study is looking at how the area around breast cancer cells affects whether the cancer spreads, using special techniques to see how these cells interact with their surroundings, which could help patients understand their disease better and find new treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10905008 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the breast cancer tissue microenvironment in promoting or inhibiting the spread of cancer. By using advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and mass spectrometry, researchers will analyze how tumor cells interact with their surrounding environment, including the extracellular matrix and immune cells. The goal is to create detailed maps of these interactions at a cellular level, which could reveal new insights into how breast cancer metastasis occurs. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their disease and potential new therapeutic targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those at risk of metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with non-breast cancer conditions or those whose cancer has already metastasized extensively may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating breast cancer metastasis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the tumor microenvironment can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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.
Conditions Breast Cancer
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.