Understanding how tumors interact with the immune system during cancer spread
Official title: Systems Biology of Tumor-Immune-Stromal Interactions in Metastatic Progression
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10931476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer cells interact with immune and support cells in the lymph nodes to understand how head and neck cancer and lung adenocarcinoma spread, which could help improve treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,834,299 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA274511-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer or lung adenocarcinoma who are experiencing or at risk of metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with localized cancers that have not spread or those with other types of cancer not included in the study may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between cancer cells, immune cells, and supportive stromal cells in the lymph nodes, which play a crucial role in the spread of cancer to distant sites. By focusing on head and neck cancer and lung adenocarcinoma, the study aims to uncover how these interactions contribute to immune tolerance and metastatic progression. The research employs advanced methodologies to analyze changes in the tumor environment over time, providing insights into the early stages of cancer spread. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their cancer progresses and how to potentially improve treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the immune response against metastatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tumor-immune interactions, but this specific focus on lymph nodes in metastatic progression is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Plevritis, Sylvia Katina — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Plevritis, Sylvia Katina
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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.