Improving breast cancer treatment by targeting immune suppression
Official title: Targeting myeloid suppression to enhance anti-tumor immunity in breast cancer
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10892288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help breast cancer patients by using a special treatment that combines a medication called entinostat with existing immune therapies to boost the body's immune response against tumors, especially for those with advanced 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 start | July 21, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $536,866 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA283169-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced breast cancer who have not responded to standard immune checkpoint inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those who have not been diagnosed with breast cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in breast cancer patients by targeting myeloid immune suppression. The approach focuses on reducing the function of immature myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that hinder the immune response against tumors. By using a combination of a histone deacetylase inhibitor called entinostat with immune checkpoint inhibitors, the research aims to sensitize the tumor microenvironment and improve patient outcomes. The study has shown promising results in preclinical models and early clinical trials, indicating potential benefits for patients with advanced breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment responses for breast cancer patients who currently do not benefit from existing immune therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in targeting myeloid suppression in different cancer types, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in breast cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.