A new treatment to stop breast cancer from spreading
Proteolysis-targeting chimera against BCL-XL inhibits breast cancer metastasis
This study is testing a new treatment that aims to help people with advanced breast cancer by targeting a protein that helps cancer spread, using a special technology to destroy it and boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11075777 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel treatment that targets a protein called BCL-XL, which plays a role in breast cancer metastasis. The approach involves using a technology called PROTAC to degrade BCL-XL, aiming to directly kill metastatic cancer cells while also enhancing the body's immune response against the cancer. By combining these effects, the researchers hope to improve outcomes for patients with advanced breast cancer. The study will utilize various techniques to assess the effectiveness of this treatment in preclinical models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those whose cancer is not metastatic may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective treatment for metastatic breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of PROTAC technology is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in targeting BCL-XL for cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Weizhou — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Weizhou
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.