Identifying and targeting metastatic breast cancer using a specific biomarker
Official title: Detection, Radiosensitization and Theranostic Targeting of Metastatic Breast Cancer by PTPmu
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10978207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breast cancer cells spread along nerves and is testing a special protein that could help doctors find these tumors more easily and improve treatment options for patients, especially if the cancer has spread to the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $601,330 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269816-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, especially those with or at risk of brain metastases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those whose cancer has not metastasized may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how breast cancer cells invade and spread along nerves, a process known as neural invasion. It investigates a specific protein, PTPµ, which is altered in cancer cells and can serve as a unique biomarker for detecting tumors. By developing agents that target this biomarker, the research aims to improve the detection of breast cancer that has spread to the brain and enhance treatment options. The approach includes advanced imaging techniques to visualize tumor cell migration and assess the effectiveness of these targeted agents in preclinical models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved detection and treatment strategies for patients with metastatic breast cancer, particularly those whose cancer has spread to the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using targeted biomarkers for cancer detection and treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brady-Kalnay, Susann M — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Brady-Kalnay, Susann M
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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.