Using 3D organoid models to understand how breast cancer progresses
Official title: Three-dimensional organoid models to study breast cancer progression
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10928084 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating special 3D models of breast tissue to better understand how early-stage breast cancer, called DCIS, can turn into more serious forms, with the goal of finding new ways to stop this progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $403,713 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA232209-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928084 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who are at risk of progression to invasive breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with invasive breast cancer or those without a diagnosis of DCIS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative three-dimensional organoid models to study the progression of pre-invasive breast cancer, specifically Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS), to invasive forms. By mimicking the tumor microenvironment, the study aims to investigate how factors like hypoxia and metabolic stress contribute to the transition from DCIS to more aggressive Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC). The organoid models will allow researchers to observe tumor behavior in real-time, providing insights into the mechanisms driving cancer progression. This approach seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets to halt the progression of DCIS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prognostic tools and treatments for patients with DCIS, potentially preventing the progression to invasive breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using organoid models to study cancer progression, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sant, Shilpa — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Sant, Shilpa
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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.