Combining gene therapy and chemotherapy to treat aggressive breast cancer
Official title: Combine mitochondrial gene therapy and synthetic lethal chemotherapy to treat triple-negative breast cancer
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11094833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat triple-negative breast cancer by using a combination of gene therapy and special chemotherapy to target the energy centers of cancer cells, with the hope of making treatments work better and stopping the cancer from becoming resistant to drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 10, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $573,078 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA262028-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer who have not responded well to standard chemotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-triple-negative breast cancer or those who have already exhausted all treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by combining mitochondrial gene therapy with synthetic lethal chemotherapy. The study aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments by targeting the mitochondria of cancer cells, which play a crucial role in cell function and survival. By using advanced techniques to disrupt mitochondrial function, the research seeks to induce cancer cell death and prevent the development of drug resistance. Patients may be involved in clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of this combined treatment strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting mitochondrial functions in cancer therapy, indicating potential for success in this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Xiaoguang Margaret — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Xiaoguang Margaret
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mitochondrial gene therapy plus targeted chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer
A new approach combines modifying cancer cell powerhouses with a targeted chemotherapy strategy to help people with triple-negative breast cancer.
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Targeting mitochondrial energy in triple-negative breast cancer that remains after chemo
This work looks at whether blocking a tumor's mitochondrial energy program can help people with triple-negative breast cancer whose tumors remain after chemotherapy.
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Finding the best radiotherapy dose to use with immunotherapy for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer
This study is looking for the best amount of radiation therapy to use alongside immunotherapy and chemotherapy for people with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, to help improve their treatment results.
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Understanding how triple negative breast cancer adapts after chemotherapy
This study is looking at how triple negative breast cancer cells adapt their energy use to survive after chemotherapy, and it aims to find new ways to target these changes to help improve treatment for patients like you.
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Best radiation dose with pre-surgery chemo and pembrolizumab for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer
This project compares different radiation doses given before surgery together with chemotherapy and pembrolizumab for people with early-stage, node-positive triple-negative breast cancer to find the safest and most helpful approach.
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
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.