Improving anti-cancer treatments for breast cancer
Targeting myeloid suppression to enhance anti-tumor immunity in breast cancer
This research looks for new ways to make existing immune-boosting treatments work better for people with advanced breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123214 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many advanced cancers respond well to immune checkpoint inhibitors, which help your body's immune system fight cancer, but most breast cancers do not. This project explores why breast cancer cells resist these treatments, focusing on certain immune cells called myeloid cells that can suppress the immune response. Researchers are using a drug called entinostat, which has shown promise in preclinical studies and a small early-stage clinical trial, to reduce this suppression. The goal is to make the tumor environment more receptive to immune checkpoint inhibitors, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant for patients with advanced breast cancer who have not responded to or are resistant to current immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those whose cancer responds well to existing immune checkpoint inhibitors may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with advanced breast cancer who currently do not respond well to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies and an early-stage clinical trial have shown promising results for this approach in breast cancer, suggesting it is a viable strategy.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roussos Torres, Evanthia Theodosiou — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Roussos Torres, Evanthia Theodosiou
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.