Helping the immune system find and remove breast cancer cells that survive chemotherapy
Targeting mechanisms of immune evasion in chemotherapy-induced senescent cells
This project aims to develop treatments that help the immune system clear breast cancer cells left behind after chemotherapy, especially in patients whose tumors have normal (wild-type) p53.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284043 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
After chemotherapy, some breast cancer cells enter a paused 'senescent' state and release inflammatory signals (the SASP) while upregulating PD-L1 to hide from immune cells. The team will study tumor samples from patients and laboratory models to map how stromal interactions and signaling keep PD-L1 and other evasion mechanisms active. They will test approaches to block those hiding signals so the immune system can clear remaining tumor cells. If successful, these strategies could be added to standard care to reduce relapse after chemotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer who have had chemotherapy and have residual disease, particularly those with p53 wild-type tumors, are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than breast cancer or whose tumors harbor p53 mutations are less likely to benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to therapies that help the immune system eliminate chemo-resistant breast cancer cells and lower the risk of relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Immune checkpoint drugs targeting PD-1/PD-L1 have helped some cancers, but applying these approaches specifically to chemo-induced senescent breast tumor cells is a newer idea with limited direct clinical evidence.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jackson, James — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Jackson, James
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.