Watching how immune cells shape the tumor environment
In vivo monitoring of tumor microenvironment regulation for macrophages
['FUNDING_R01'] · WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11235191
This work looks at how immune cells called macrophages change tumor oxygen and acidity in breast cancer models to help treatments work better.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MORGANTOWN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11235191 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use advanced in vivo imaging methods developed by the team to track oxygen levels and acidity inside tumors in animal models. They focus on how macrophage proteins (HIF-1α and HIF-2α) and TIE2-expressing macrophages alter blood vessel structure and function. The project links those changes to how well chemotherapy (like docetaxel) gets into tumors and works. Findings aim to reveal mechanisms that could guide new ways to improve drug delivery or combine treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with solid breast tumors who might later join clinical trials targeting tumor oxygenation or macrophage pathways, or who are willing to donate tumor tissue for research, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate changes to their current treatment or those with cancers that are not solid tumors (for example many blood cancers) are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this lab- and animal-based work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to improve how chemotherapy and other therapies reach tumors, potentially improving outcomes for people with breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies, including the team's earlier work, have shown that altering macrophage HIF pathways and vessel behavior can change tumor oxygenation and drug response, but translating those findings to patient therapies remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
MORGANTOWN, UNITED STATES
- WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY — MORGANTOWN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: EUBANK, TIMOTHY D — WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: EUBANK, TIMOTHY D
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: Animal Cancer Model