Combining DNA-repair blockers with Trodelvy for triple-negative breast cancer
Synergistic combinatorial DNA damage response/repair inhibition and Sacituzumab Govitecan in triple-negative breast cancer
This work looks at whether adding drugs that block cancer DNA repair to Trodelvy helps people with triple-negative breast cancer respond better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240337 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear about combining the antibody-drug Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan) with drugs that block DNA repair to try to make the treatment more effective for triple-negative breast cancer. The team is running early-phase clinical work using a sequential dosing plan of Trodelvy plus a PARP inhibitor (talazoparib) and also doing lab experiments to find which DNA repair targets boost response. Researchers use patient tumor samples, preclinical models, and CRISPR-based screens to find biomarkers and synergistic drug combinations that could guide who benefits most. The goal is to improve response rates while keeping side effects manageable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who are eligible for Trodelvy and may be candidates for a PARP inhibitor, typically those with measurable disease and acceptable organ function.
Not a fit: People without triple-negative breast cancer, those in early-stage disease not needing systemic therapy, or patients who cannot take Trodelvy or PARP inhibitors due to medical contraindications are unlikely to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could raise the number of people who respond to Trodelvy and potentially extend progression-free and overall survival with tolerable toxicity.
How similar studies have performed: Trodelvy has already improved outcomes for many patients with metastatic TNBC and PARP inhibitors help patients with BRCA-driven disease, but combining these agents is a newer strategy currently being tested in early-phase trials.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ellisen, Leif W — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ellisen, Leif W
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.