Understanding how tumor cells cluster in breast cancer spread
Official title: Mechanisms of tumor cell clustering in breast cancer metastasis
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10895494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breast cancer cells group together when they spread in the body, especially focusing on the cells that travel to other organs, to help find new ways to stop aggressive types of breast cancer from spreading.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 28, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $439,719 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276432-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with triple-negative breast cancer or other aggressive subtypes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer that has not metastasized may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind how tumor cells cluster together during the spread of breast cancer, particularly focusing on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that can travel to other organs. The study uses a specialized laboratory assay that simulates the conditions in the body to observe how these cells interact and form clusters, which significantly increases their ability to metastasize. By analyzing the role of specific proteins and components in these clusters, the research aims to uncover alternative pathways that facilitate this process, especially in aggressive forms of breast cancer like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating breast cancer metastasis, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding tumor cell behavior in metastasis can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Chonghui — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Chonghui
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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.