A new protein-based treatment for triple-negative breast cancer

A Wholly Protein-based Self-assembly Nanoplatform for TNBC-specific Combination Therapy

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11079461

This study is testing a new treatment called ProNano that uses tiny proteins to deliver medicine directly to triple-negative breast cancer cells, aiming to make the treatment more effective and less harmful than regular chemotherapy for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11079461 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel protein-based nanoplatform called ProNano, specifically designed to target and treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The approach involves creating a nanocore that can deliver therapeutic agents directly to TNBC cells by recognizing specific surface antigens. By combining tumor-targeting and therapeutic features, this platform aims to improve treatment efficacy while reducing the toxicity associated with traditional chemotherapy. Patients may benefit from a more effective and less harmful treatment option tailored to their cancer type.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer who have limited treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of breast cancer that express estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, or HER2 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a targeted and less toxic treatment option for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using targeted nanoplatforms for cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast CancerBreast Cancer CellBreast Cancer cell line
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.