Enhanced Viro-Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11402019 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study testing a virus-based cancer therapy to help treat breast cancer that has spread to the brain, with focus on boosting the body’s immune response to fight the tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $493,744 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276942-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402019 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with breast cancer that has metastasized to the brain, and who may benefit from viro-immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not respond to viro-immunotherapy or who have contraindications to viral therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve a virus-based treatment (oncolytic herpes simplex virus) for breast cancer that has spread to the brain by understanding and overcoming the tumor’s immune barriers. Researchers will explore how the therapy triggers IGF2 and neutrophil activity in the brain tumor microenvironment and identify ways to counteract immunosuppressive signals that limit effectiveness. The work involves mechanistic studies in relevant models and may inform strategies to enhance anti-tumor immunity and virotherapy efficacy in patients with brain metastases from breast cancer. Potential outcomes include identifying targets to boost viral spread, immune activation, and long-term tumor control. The project is conducted by a biomedical team at the University of Texas Health Science Center and collaborators, with translational relevance to patients facing this challenging condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective viro-immunotherapy strategies for breast cancer patients with brain metastases, potentially improving survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies with oncolytic herpes simplex virus show potential but also limitations due to tumor immune environments; this work seeks to overcome those barriers in brain metastases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoo, Ji Young — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Yoo, Ji Young
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Enhanced virus-based immunotherapy for breast cancer that has spread to the brain
This project explores a modified herpes virus treatment designed to help the immune system fight breast cancer that has spread to the brain.
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Improving viral immunotherapy for breast cancer that has spread to the brain
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Improving treatment for breast cancer that has spread to the brain
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Improving treatment for breast cancer that has spread to the brain
This study is looking at a new way to help breast cancer patients whose cancer has spread to the brain by using a special virus treatment, and it aims to find better ways to boost the immune system's response to this therapy.
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Prolactin signaling and brain metastasis in HER2-positive breast cancer
Researchers are studying how prolactin signals help HER2-positive breast cancer cells grow in the brain, with the goal of finding new ideas to prevent brain metastases.
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How an immune signal in brain support cells helps breast cancer spread to the brain
This project looks at whether a specific immune signal in brain support cells (astrocytes) helps breast cancer cells grow in the brain, aiming to help people with breast cancer that has spread to the brain.
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.