Exploring how the immune system can prevent breast cancer in individuals with BRCA mutations
Official title: Immunosurveillance of breast glands with oncogenic germline mutations
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11131139 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system might help prevent breast cancer in people with BRCA mutations by exploring how immune cells in breast tissue can stop early signs of cancer from getting worse, with the hope of finding new ways to boost the immune response for those at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $797,986 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3CA290300-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131139 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who are at high risk for developing breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without BRCA mutations or those who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of the immune system to prevent breast cancer in individuals who carry BRCA mutations. The study aims to identify immune pathways that can block the formation of breast cancer and prevent pre-cancerous lesions from progressing to invasive disease. Researchers will analyze immune factors from breast glands and the characteristics of immune cells present in these glands to understand their role in cancer development. The ultimate goal is to discover new interventions that enhance the immune response to prevent breast cancer in this high-risk population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive strategies for breast cancer in individuals with BRCA mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in utilizing immunotherapy for treating metastatic cancers, but this approach to cancer prevention in BRCA mutation carriers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demehri, Shadmehr — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Demehri, Shadmehr
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.