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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $533,998 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034731-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-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
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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.