Improving breast cancer treatment by identifying patients who can benefit from new drugs.

Breast Cancer PARP PET Imaging AIP to Support FDA Approval & Commercialization

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11044080

This study is looking to improve breast cancer treatment by using a special imaging technique to help doctors find out which patients with certain gene mutations, like BRCA1/2, will benefit most from PARP inhibitor drugs, so they can avoid unnecessary side effects and costs.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11044080 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of PARP inhibitor drugs for breast cancer patients by developing a new imaging technique using a PET-labeled compound called [18F]fluorthanatrace (FTT). The goal is to identify patients with specific gene mutations, such as BRCA1/2, who are most likely to respond to these therapies. By using PET imaging to measure drug binding in tumors, the research aims to provide a more accurate prediction of treatment response, thereby helping to avoid unnecessary side effects and costs for patients who are unlikely to benefit. The study involves collaboration between leading cancer research institutions and a biomedical company to ensure successful clinical translation and commercialization of this innovative approach.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 mutations or other homologous recombination deficiencies who are considering PARP inhibitor therapy.

Not a fit: Patients without BRCA mutations or those whose cancer does not respond to PARP inhibitors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for breast cancer patients, improving their chances of a positive response to therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar imaging techniques to predict treatment responses in cancer therapies, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.