Why some cancers spread to the brain
Determine the mechanisms of acquired brain-tropism
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11174232
This project looks for shared tumor and brain features that explain why cancers spread to the brain, to help people with advanced cancers who are at risk for brain metastases.
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-11174232 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As a patient, this project looks at both the cancer cells and the brain environment to find features that let tumors grow in the brain. Researchers will analyze tumor genomes and immune cells, including brain microglia and blood immune cells, and use 3-D biological models to test those findings. They plan to find molecular or cellular markers that predict which patients are most likely to develop brain metastases. The work combines lab models and human tumor or blood samples to connect lab discoveries to patient risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with advanced cancers—especially tumor types that commonly spread to the brain (such as lung, breast, or melanoma)—or those willing to provide tumor or blood samples.
Not a fit: People with early-stage cancers that carry very low risk of brain spread, or those unwilling to provide clinical samples or travel to study sites, are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests that detect brain metastasis earlier and guide treatments to reduce neurologic damage.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked some tumor and immune features to brain metastasis, but combining genomics, brain immune profiling, and 3-D models across many cancer types is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JI, HANLEE P — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: JI, HANLEE P
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: Advanced Cancer, Brain Cancer