A new therapy for breast cancer using proteins from specific fibroblasts
Official title: A novel breast cancer therapy based on secreted protein ligands from CD36+ fibroblasts
Funded at University of Nevada Reno · NIH-11056894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Reno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Reno, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $447,270 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279408-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056894 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with subtypes that are currently difficult to treat.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer conditions or those whose tumors do not involve CAFs may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parvin, Bahram a. — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Parvin, Bahram a.
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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.