How timing chemotherapy can improve treatment for brain metastases in breast cancer
Circadian Rhythms in Blood Brain Barrier Permeability and Increased Efficacy of Chemotherapy for Brain Metastases
This study is looking at how the time of day affects the ability of chemotherapy drugs to reach the brain in patients with breast cancer that has spread to the brain, with the goal of making treatments work better and cause fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11062431 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between circadian rhythms and the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to chemotherapy drugs in patients with brain metastases from breast cancer. By understanding how the timing of chemotherapy administration affects the ability of drugs to cross the BBB, the study aims to enhance the effectiveness of treatments while minimizing side effects. The approach involves assessing the permeability of commonly used chemotherapy agents, doxorubicin and paclitaxel, at different times of the day. This could lead to a more effective treatment regimen for patients suffering from brain metastases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with breast cancer who have developed brain metastases.
Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or those whose cancer has not metastasized to the brain may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the efficacy of chemotherapy for patients with brain metastases, potentially increasing survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of circadian regulation of drug permeability is emerging, this specific approach to timing chemotherapy for brain metastases is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Morgantown, United States
- West Virginia University — Morgantown, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walker, William Harry — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Walker, William Harry
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.