NIH-funded research R01 grant

Creating a new tool to monitor breast cancer treatment response

Official title: Development of an apoptosis biosensor for monitoring of breast cancer

Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11170541 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new tool that helps doctors see how well breast cancer patients are responding to their chemotherapy, so they can tailor treatments to each person and make them more effective and comfortable.

More Breast Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$533,998
NIH project number5R01EB034731-03
Project IDNIH-11170541 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not currently receiving chemotherapy or those with advanced-stage breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a biosensor that can monitor how well breast cancer patients respond to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. By using a new imaging technology called Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT), the researchers aim to create a more personalized treatment approach. The biosensor will help identify apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in tumors, allowing doctors to adjust treatments based on individual responses. This could lead to reduced side effects for patients who are responding well and alternative therapies for those who are not.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans for breast cancer patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using biosensors for monitoring cancer treatment responses, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
    Oklahoma City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mcnally, Lacey R — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Mcnally, Lacey R

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.