Finding ways to overcome drug resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer

Overcoming Drug Resistance in HER2-positive Breast Cancer

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10911307

This study is looking at a new treatment called PEPDG278D that might help people with HER2-positive breast cancer who haven't had success with other therapies, by targeting and breaking down the cancer's growth signals.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-10911307 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on addressing the challenge of drug resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer, which affects about 20% of breast cancer patients. The team is investigating a novel recombinant human protein called PEPDG278D, which targets and disrupts the signaling of HER2 and EGFR in cancer cells. By promoting the degradation of these receptors, PEPDG278D aims to inhibit the growth of resistant cancer cells both in laboratory settings and in animal models. The study seeks to understand how this protein works and its potential as a new treatment option for patients who have not responded to existing therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, particularly those who have experienced treatment resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with breast cancer that does not overexpress HER2 or those who have not received prior HER2-targeted therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who have developed resistance to current therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using PEPDG278D is novel, previous research has shown promise in targeting HER2 and EGFR pathways to overcome drug resistance in cancer.

Where this research is happening

Richmond, 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 Breast CancerBreast Cancer CellCancer Burden
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.