Effects of tamoxifen on immune cells in breast cancer patients

Impact of tamoxifen treatment on neutrophils in breast cancer patients

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11051890

This study is looking at how tamoxifen, a common medicine for breast cancer, affects certain immune cells in patients, to better understand why some people stop responding to the treatment, with the hope of finding ways to improve care for those who struggle with it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11051890 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how tamoxifen, a common treatment for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, affects neutrophils, a type of immune cell. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind some patients developing resistance to tamoxifen, which can lead to cancer progression. By analyzing blood samples from breast cancer patients undergoing tamoxifen treatment, researchers will explore the relationship between tamoxifen treatment duration and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which may contribute to treatment resistance. The findings could help in designing better therapies for patients who do not respond to standard tamoxifen treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients who are currently receiving tamoxifen treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing tamoxifen treatment or those with non-estrogen receptor positive breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for breast cancer patients who experience resistance to tamoxifen.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding immune responses in cancer treatment can lead to significant advancements, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions advanced breast canceradvanced stage breast canceranti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.