Dual targeting of PI3K and NOS pathways in Metaplastic Breast Cancer
Official title: Dual targeting of PI3K and NOS pathways in Metaplastic BreastCancer (MBC)
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11362664 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test a combination therapy targeting PI3K and NOS pathways to treat metaplastic breast cancer, a very rare and aggressive breast cancer type.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $654,245 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284315-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362664 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with metaplastic breast cancer or similar aggressive breast cancer subtypes that harbor PI3K/AKT pathway activation and NOS-related biology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MpBC or without activation of the PI3K/AKT and NOS pathways may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
Metaplastic breast cancer is rare and has a poor prognosis, especially when it spreads. This grant explores a drug combo that blocks PI3K/AKT signaling and nitric oxide production, based on earlier findings in MpBC and related cancers. Researchers plan to test the approach in preclinical models and translate promising results toward patient-friendly strategies, by building on prior clinical work with NOS inhibitors and PI3K blockers. The goal is to identify a treatment that could improve tumor control and survival for people with MpBC who have limited options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new therapeutic option for MpBC patients that slows tumor growth and potentially improves survival.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows NOS inhibitors can benefit chemorefractory cancers and combining NOS inhibition with PI3K inhibitors reduced tumor growth in models.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Jenny C-N — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Chang, Jenny C-N
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.