Using exosome profiles to predict where breast cancer may spread
Official title: Surface exosome integrin profiling to predict organotropic metastasis of breast cancer
Funded at University of Memphis · NIH-10654221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles from tumors in your blood to see if they can help doctors predict where breast cancer might spread in the body, which could lead to better ways to understand and manage your cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Memphis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $415,516 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA280765-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10654221 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer who are undergoing treatment or monitoring for potential metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-malignant breast conditions or those who have not been diagnosed with breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific proteins found on the surface of exosomes, which are tiny particles released by tumors, can indicate where breast cancer might spread in the body. By analyzing these exosomes in blood samples, researchers aim to identify patterns that correlate with metastasis to organs like the lungs, liver, and brain. The study focuses on developing sensitive and specific technologies to detect these biomarkers, which could lead to better predictions of cancer progression. Patients' exosome profiles will be evaluated to enhance understanding of their cancer's behavior and potential spread.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier and more accurate predictions of breast cancer metastasis, leading to tailored treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using exosomal biomarkers for cancer prediction, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Memphis
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Xiaohua — University of Memphis
- Study coordinator: Huang, Xiaohua
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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.