Using natural killer cells to stop breast cancer from spreading
Official title: Using natural killer cells to prevent breast cancer metastases
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10896130 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how special immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells can help stop breast cancer from spreading, using new lab models to see how these cells interact with cancer cells, with the hope of finding better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $255,383 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA270188-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896130 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those at risk of metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer-related conditions or those whose breast cancer is already advanced may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how natural killer (NK) cells can be harnessed to prevent the spread of breast cancer. The team is developing innovative 3D co-culture models that mimic the interaction between NK cells and breast cancer cells, allowing for a better understanding of how NK cells can limit metastasis. By examining the genetic and molecular changes in these cells, the researchers aim to identify ways to enhance the anti-cancer activity of NK cells, potentially leading to new treatment strategies for patients with breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer metastasis, improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using NK cells for cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in breast cancer therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Isaac — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Chan, Isaac
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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.