Understanding how tumors block immune cells to improve cancer treatment
Official title: Breaching the Tumor-Immune Mechanical Barrier for Optimal Antitumor Immunity
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11012296 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tumors block immune cells from fighting cancer, especially focusing on a molecule called TROP2 that is related to aggressive breast cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to help the immune system better attack tumors and improve treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $176,040 |
| NIH project number | 5K99CA286969-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012296 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with aggressive forms of breast cancer, particularly those with high levels of TROP2 expression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors do not express TROP2 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanical barriers that tumors create to prevent immune cells from infiltrating and attacking cancer. By focusing on a specific molecule called TROP2, which is linked to aggressive breast cancer, the research aims to uncover how these barriers work and how they can be overcome. The approach involves studying the interactions between tumor cells and immune cells, with the goal of designing therapies that can break down these barriers and enhance the body's immune response against tumors. Patients may benefit from new treatment strategies that improve the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by enhancing the immune system's ability to fight tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar mechanical barriers in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Bogang — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wu, Bogang
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.