Improving breast cancer treatment by normalizing arginine metabolism with sepiapterin
Official title: Normalizing arginine metabolism with sepiaptein for immunostimulatory-shift ofHER2+ breast cancer
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10805528 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a natural compound called sepiapterin can help boost the immune system's fight against breast cancer by changing how cancer cells use a substance called arginine, which could lead to better treatment results with fewer side effects for patients.
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 | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $349,874 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA248304-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10805528 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of breast cancer or those who are not HER2+ may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sepiapterin, a natural compound, can adjust the metabolism of arginine in breast cancer cells to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. By redirecting arginine metabolism away from pathways that promote tumor growth and immune suppression, the study aims to improve the immune response against breast cancer. The approach focuses on increasing nitric oxide production, which may help reduce tumor growth and improve patient outcomes with minimal side effects. Patients may benefit from this innovative treatment strategy if it proves effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy options for breast cancer patients, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using metabolic modulation to enhance cancer immunotherapy, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Furuta, Saori — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Furuta, Saori
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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.