NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Combining antibody-drug conjugates with mechanism-based therapies to treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer

Official title: Project 1: Incorporating antibody drug conjugates into mechanism-based combinations to target metastatic breast cancer

Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11414842 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A research team is testing new combination strategies that pair antibody-drug conjugates with other targeted treatments to better treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.

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Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 17, 2013
Project endJuly 31, 2030
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$413,263
NIH project number5P50CA168504-12
Project IDNIH-11414842 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer or related conditions who may be candidates for ADC-based therapies.

Less likely to help

Patients whose cancer does not respond to ADC-based combinations or cannot tolerate their toxicity may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project looks for smarter ways to use antibody-drug conjugates to attack metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) while decreasing side effects. Researchers will explore mechanism-based drug combinations, guided by biomarkers and CRISPR screens, to identify which partners boost efficacy. The work draws on past successes with ADCs like SG and aims to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes. The plan includes clinical and translational components at Dana-Farber, building on prior trials to optimize dosing and sequencing. The ultimate goal is to offer more effective, safer options for people with mTNBC who currently have limited choices.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer could receive more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

How similar studies have gone: Previous ADC strategies have yielded meaningful responses in some patients, and this project seeks to build on that success with new combinations.

Where this research is happening

  • Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ellisen, Leif W — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
  • Study coordinator: Ellisen, Leif W

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.