Why some normal cells turn into cancer
PROMINENT - Stanford
This project looks at how genes, body changes, and everyday habits make normal cells with mutations more likely to become cancer, to help people at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235462 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are comparing human tissues, laboratory models, and animal experiments to find what lets mutated cells progress to tumors. They focus on non-mutational influences such as obesity, alcohol use, inflammation, and tissue architecture that may promote cancer growth. The team will use advanced DNA sequencing and CRISPR-based screening to track mutated cells and test which factors trigger their expansion. Results are intended to point toward ways to prevent cancer by targeting the tissue environment or modifiable lifestyle factors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at increased risk for cancer, or those willing to donate tissue samples or clinical data for research, would be appropriate candidates to participate.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new treatment for existing cancer or those without relevant risk factors are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify preventable causes of cancer and new ways to stop mutated cells from developing into tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior sequencing and mouse model studies have suggested that promotion of mutated cells matters for cancer risk, but translating that insight into proven prevention strategies is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lundberg, Emma — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Lundberg, Emma
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.