What makes breast cancer spread and resist treatment
Project 3: Systematic characterization of factors controlling breast cancer progression and resistance
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11178566
This project uses lab-grown 3D breast cancer models and gene-editing screens to find the genes that let certain estrogen-receptor–positive breast cancers come back or avoid the immune system.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11178566 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers grow breast cancer cells into tiny 3D spheroids that behave more like real tumors and run genome-wide CRISPR gene-editing screens to turn genes off and see which ones affect growth, therapy resistance, and immune escape. They pair these screens with a magnetic separation method to quickly study how tumor cells interact with macrophages and whether immune cells can clear cancer cells. The team concentrates on four high‑risk ER+ breast cancer subgroups defined by DNA amplifications to test which genes in those regions are true drivers of relapse. Results are intended to point to biomarkers and drug targets that could inform future clinical trials or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with estrogen-receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer, especially those in the high‑risk molecular subgroups defined by specific DNA amplifications, would be most directly relevant to these findings.
Not a fit: Patients with non‑breast cancers or with breast cancers that are not ER+ or not in the targeted high‑risk subgroups are less likely to receive direct benefit in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify specific genes and targets that lead to new tests or treatments to prevent relapse and improve immune control of metastatic ER+ breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work showed that 3D spheroid CRISPR screens and magnetic separation assays produce tumor behaviors closer to real tumors and can reveal immune interactions, but applying them to pinpoint drivers of ER+ relapse is a newer, more targeted effort.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BASSIK, MICHAEL C — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BASSIK, MICHAEL C
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: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Cell, Breast Cancer Risk Factor