How circulating glutathione and its breakdown affect triple-negative breast cancer
Impact of extracellular glutathione catabolism on triple-negative breast cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · NIH-11262839
This project looks at whether glutathione in the blood and the molecules it breaks into help triple‑negative breast cancers grow, with implications for people living with TNBC.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11262839 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I have triple‑negative breast cancer, this work studies how glutathione — a common antioxidant found in blood — and its breakdown products might feed tumor growth. The team manipulates glutathione levels and the enzyme GGT1 in lab models and animal experiments to track effects on tumors. They measure circulating and tissue levels of glutathione and related amino acids and test whether adding or removing these molecules changes tumor growth. The approach aims to reveal whether blocking extracellular glutathione metabolism could slow TNBC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with triple‑negative breast cancer are the group most directly relevant and could be candidates for future clinical studies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients with other breast cancer subtypes or those needing immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this primarily laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could identify new targets for therapies that slow or stop growth of triple‑negative breast cancers by blocking circulating glutathione or its breakdown pathway.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work targeting antioxidants has shown promise, but focusing on extracellular glutathione metabolism is a relatively new strategy with limited clinical testing to date.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HARRIS, ISAAC SPENCER — UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: HARRIS, ISAAC SPENCER
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Cell, Cancer Intervention, Cancer Treatment, Cancers