NIH-funded research R21 grant

Exploring a new treatment for triple-negative breast cancer using secretions from mammary cells.

Official title: The mammary cell secretome as a novel biologic for triple-negative breast cancer

Funded at Cornell University · NIH-10995271 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring how special substances from the milk-producing cells of cancer-resistant animals might help treat triple-negative breast cancer by killing cancer cells without harming healthy ones, with the goal of creating safer treatment options for patients.

More Breast Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCornell University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ithaca, United States)
Project startDecember 6, 2023
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$198,173
NIH project number5R21CA285521-02
Project IDNIH-10995271 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer who are seeking alternative treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of breast cancer or those who are not diagnosed with breast cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential of bioactive factors secreted by mammary cells from cancer-resistant mammals to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The approach involves studying how these secretions can induce cell death in TNBC cells while sparing normal breast cells, as well as testing their effects in mouse models. By characterizing these secretions further, the research aims to develop non-toxic therapies that could prevent or treat aggressive forms of breast cancer. Patients may benefit from innovative treatment options that are less harmful than current therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective, and non-toxic therapies for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using mammary cell secretions is novel, similar strategies targeting cancer suppression through biological factors have shown promise in other studies.

Where this research is happening

  • Cornell University
    Ithaca, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Harman, Rebecca M — Cornell University
  • Study coordinator: Harman, Rebecca M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.