BACH1 and oxygen levels in triple‑negative breast tumors

Regulation of Tumor Oxygenation by BACH1 in Breast Cancer

NIH-funded research University of Chicago · NIH-11167658

This work looks at whether changing the activity of a protein called BACH1 can reduce low‑oxygen areas inside triple‑negative breast tumors and make treatments like radiation work better for people with TNBC.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11167658 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers will use lab-grown triple‑negative breast cancer cells, animal tumor models, and analysis of human tumor samples to study how BACH1 controls tumor oxygen levels and blood vessel leakiness. They will manipulate BACH1 levels with molecular tools and measure blood flow, oxygenation, and antioxidant responses in tumors. The team will also test whether lowering BACH1 makes radiation more effective against TNBC tumors in model systems. Findings could point to ways to change the tumor environment to help standard therapies work better.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with triple‑negative breast cancer, especially those undergoing surgery or radiation who are willing to donate tumor tissue or participate in related clinical sampling, would be the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with non‑triple‑negative breast cancers or those not eligible for tissue donation or radiation‑based approaches are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new approaches that reduce tumor hypoxia and increase the effectiveness of radiation and other treatments for triple‑negative breast cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows that improving tumor oxygenation can increase treatment response, but targeting BACH1 specifically is a newer, early‑stage approach with limited prior clinical testing.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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 Cancer
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.