A new therapy for breast cancer using proteins from specific fibroblasts

A novel breast cancer therapy based on secreted protein ligands from CD36+ fibroblasts

NIH-funded research University of Nevada Reno · NIH-11056894

This study is exploring a new way to treat breast cancer by using special proteins from certain cells in the body to help improve existing treatments, aiming to make them more effective for patients with different types of breast cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nevada Reno NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Reno, United States)
Project IDNIH-11056894 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to treating breast cancer by utilizing secreted protein ligands from CD36+ fibroblasts. The study aims to reprogram cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to enhance therapeutic strategies while targeting both the tumor and the surrounding fibroblasts. By identifying and testing specific proteins that can suppress tumor growth and promote the expression of CD36 in CAFs, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes for various breast cancer subtypes. Patients may benefit from this innovative therapy that addresses the limitations of current CAF-targeted treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with subtypes that are currently difficult to treat.

Not a fit: Patients with non-breast cancer conditions or those whose tumors do not involve CAFs may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective therapy for breast cancer that minimizes off-target effects.

How similar studies have performed: While targeting CAFs is a growing area of interest, this specific approach using CD36+ fibroblasts and their secreted proteins is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.

Where this research is happening

Reno, 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 anti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.