Understanding how the surrounding tissue affects breast cancer growth
Official title: Leveraging the metastatic tumor stroma to limit breast cancer progression
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11053602 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the supportive tissue around breast cancer cells affects the growth of the cancer and the body's immune response, with the goal of finding new ways to treat metastatic breast cancer and help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $462,667 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282810-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053602 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, particularly those with bone metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with localized breast cancer who have not yet experienced metastasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the tumor stroma, the supportive tissue surrounding breast cancer cells, in the progression of metastatic breast cancer. It aims to identify how different cell types within the stroma, such as fibroblasts and adipocytes, contribute to tumor growth and immune response. By focusing on the interactions between tumor cells and their surrounding environment, the study seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies that target these stromal components to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for metastatic breast cancer by targeting the tumor stroma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting the tumor microenvironment in other cancers, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stewart, Sheila a — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Stewart, Sheila a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Breast Cancer Guideline Adherence in Nigeria
Aimed at helping doctors in Nigeria follow international guideline-based breast cancer care to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer.
-
Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
-
Translational breast cancer research to improve treatment options
A comprehensive program at Baylor College of Medicine is focusing on breast cancer; researchers will advance targeted therapies and biomarkers to help patients with aggressive or hard-to-treat forms.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
-
Gut bacteria and metabolites linked to breast density and cancer risk
A small, patient-friendly study will explore whether gut bacteria and their byproducts are connected to high breast density, which can raise cancer risk and make screening less accurate.
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.