Using single-cell tests to find natural cancer-fighting medicines
Single Cell Methods for Bioeffector Discovery and Analysis
['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · NIH-11170693
This project uses advanced single-cell lab tests to find natural compounds that help cancer cells alert the immune system, aiming to lead to better treatments for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11170693 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are building a high-throughput, multiplexed single-cell testing platform to screen natural-product compounds for their effects on cancer cells. The team will map how different ways cancer cells die or get injured cause release of immune signals that attract and activate antigen-presenting cells and T cells. By linking specific cell-death pathways to markers of immunogenicity, they will prioritize natural compounds that trigger useful anti-tumor immune responses. This work is done in the lab using cultured cells and molecular assays as a step toward future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer—particularly those with solid tumors who may receive chemotherapy—would be most likely to benefit from therapies that come out of this work in the future.
Not a fit: People without cancer or patients whose tumors are unlikely to respond to immune-based approaches may not receive direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify new natural-product therapies that not only kill cancer cells but also stimulate patients' own immune systems to fight tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown some natural chemotherapies can trigger immune responses, but using high-throughput, single-cell methods to discover such compounds is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY — Nashville, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BACHMANN, BRIAN O — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BACHMANN, BRIAN O
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 below.
Conditions: Anti-cancer natural products, Cancer Induction, Cancer Treatment