Improving breast cancer treatment by targeting NEK2
Official title: Targeting NEK2 to potentiate standard of care therapies for breast cancer
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11011481 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called NEK2 can be targeted to make current breast cancer treatments work better, especially for those with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, by combining it with some already approved medications to help improve treatment results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $225,803 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA288795-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011481 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, particularly those who have not responded well to standard chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-TNBC breast cancer subtypes or those who have already had successful treatment with existing therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how targeting a specific protein called NEK2 can enhance the effectiveness of existing breast cancer therapies, particularly for Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), which is known for its aggressive nature and poor outcomes. The study aims to combine NEK2 inhibitors with FDA-approved drugs, such as CDK4/6 inhibitors and PARP inhibitors, to improve treatment responses. By using various biological models, the research will explore how manipulating NEK2 can increase chromosomal instability and decrease harmful cellular transitions, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new treatment options for patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, improving their chances of survival and response to therapy.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting NEK2 is a novel approach, similar strategies targeting mitotic kinases have shown promise in other cancer types, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keri, Ruth a. — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Keri, Ruth a.
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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.