Engineered cell therapy for breast cancer that has spread to the brain
Targeting metastatic tumors with engineered cellular therapies
A donor cell treatment that aims to find and kill breast cancer tumors that have spread to the brain in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11191702 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing off-the-shelf donor mesenchymal stem cells that carry a two-part protein designed to bind tumor cells and trigger cancer cell death while also affecting immune cells in the tumor environment. The team tests delivery into the brain area using approaches like intrathecal and intracarotid administration in mouse models that mimic human brain metastases and uses patient-derived tumor cells for laboratory studies. They will measure tumor killing, effects on suppressive immune cells, and whether combining the cell therapy with other immune-activating agents improves control of brain metastases. If promising, these preclinical results would be used to design early human trials for people with breast cancer brain metastases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with breast cancer that has metastasized to the brain, especially those with EGFR-positive or triple-negative tumor subtypes, would be the most relevant future candidates.
Not a fit: People without brain metastases, those whose tumors lack the targeted markers, or patients who cannot tolerate intrathecal or intra-arterial delivery would likely not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce or eliminate brain metastases from breast cancer and improve neurological outcomes and survival.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies by the team showed tumor-killing activity in mouse models and patient-derived tumor cells, but this approach has not yet been proven safe or effective in people.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Khalid a — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shah, Khalid a
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 below.