HER3-targeted nano‑capsule treatment for drug-resistant breast cancer
Targeting inhibitor-resistant breast tumors with HER3-homing nano-capsids
This project develops tiny HER3‑seeking capsules that deliver cancer‑killing drugs into breast tumors that no longer respond to HER2/EGFR‑targeted treatments, including some triple‑negative cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294262 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on a self‑assembling nanobiological particle called HerDox that seeks out HER3, a protein often increased on tumors that resist common HER2 or EGFR therapies. HerDox is designed to enter tumor cells via HER3 and release toxic payloads directly inside cancer cells without trying to change cell signaling pathways. Prior preclinical work showed HerDox can kill trastuzumab‑resistant HER2+ tumors while sparing heart and liver tissue. The current work refines the particles, tests delivery and safety in models, and prepares the approach for eventual clinical testing in patients with HER3‑high, treatment‑resistant breast cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with breast cancers that show elevated HER3 and have become resistant to HER2 or EGFR‑targeted drugs, including some trastuzumab‑resistant HER2+ tumors and certain triple‑negative breast cancers.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have elevated HER3 expression or whose disease is well controlled by existing treatments are unlikely to benefit from this HER3‑targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a new option for people whose breast cancers have stopped responding to current HER2/EGFR therapies by delivering chemotherapy directly into resistant tumor cells while reducing harm to heart and liver.
How similar studies have performed: HER3‑targeted nanodelivery is relatively novel, but preclinical studies including prior HerDox work have shown promising tumor killing and reduced heart/liver toxicity compared with non‑targeted approaches.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Medina-Kauwe, Lali K — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Medina-Kauwe, Lali K
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.