Antibody-based targeted radiotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer
Official title: Development of Antibody Chelator Conjugates for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy
Funded at Illinois Institute of Technology · NIH-11368027 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant aims to develop antibody chelator conjugates that deliver radioactive therapy directly to TNBC cells, potentially offering a new option for patients who have few effective treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Illinois Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $648,992 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA303986-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11368027 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with triple-negative breast cancer who express the target antigen and are eligible for experimental radiopharmaceutical therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose TNBC tumors do not express the target or whose health status makes them unsuitable for radiopharmaceutical therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
The project focuses on creating antibody chelator conjugates that attach a radioactive payload to a monoclonal antibody targeting TNBC. Researchers will optimize chelation chemistry to attach 177Lu or 90Y to the antibody, then test the therapy’s ability to home in on TNBC cells while limiting harm to healthy tissue. The work includes preclinical evaluation in models that mimic human cancer to assess efficacy and safety before any human trials. If successful, this approach could lead to a targeted radiotherapy option for patients with TNBC who lack approved targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with TNBC could receive a more precise radiotherapy that targets tumors while sparing normal tissue, potentially improving control of the disease and survival.
How similar studies have gone: Targeted radionuclide therapies have shown benefit in similar cancer types, with several clinically approved radiopharmaceuticals supporting the potential of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chong, Hyun-Soon — Illinois Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Chong, Hyun-Soon
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.