Combined targeting of DNA repair and macrophage immunosuppression in BRCA-associated breast cancer
Official title: Project 4: Combined targeting of DNA repair and macrophage-mediated immunosuppression in BRCA1/2-associated breast cancer
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11414853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study for people with BRCA-related breast cancer exploring a combination treatment that blocks DNA repair and tampers down immune-suppressing cells to help the body's immune response fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2013 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $335,869 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA168504-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11414853 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with BRCA1/2-associated breast cancer who have received PARP inhibitor–based treatment and are undergoing biopsy-based studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without BRCA1/2 mutations or those not receiving PARP inhibitor-based therapy may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This grant supports research on how PARP inhibitors, used with BRCA mutations, not only kill cancer cells but also affect the immune environment. The project tests whether adding CSF-1R blockade can remove suppressive macrophages and boost the effect of PARP inhibition, potentially making tumors more vulnerable to the immune system. Part of the plan includes analyzing patient biopsy samples from trials where PARP inhibitors were given, to see how the immune and macrophage components change. The work combines preclinical models with human tissue from patients who have received PARP inhibitor-based therapy. If successful, it could inform future combination therapies for BRCA-deficient breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to more effective treatment strategies for BRCA-mutated breast cancer by combining DNA repair blockade with immune-modulating approaches.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical results suggest combining PARP inhibitors with CSF-1R blockade enhances anti-tumor activity, with ongoing translation to patient biopsies.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shapiro, Geoffrey I. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Shapiro, Geoffrey I.
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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.