Improving Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer by Targeting Specific RNAs
Targeting Small Nucleolar RNA Augments Immunotherapeutic Efficacy
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11117008
This project aims to find new ways to make cancer immunotherapies work better for people with breast cancer who also have obesity.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11117008 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We know that obesity can make breast cancer harder to treat with immunotherapies, which are treatments that help your own immune system fight cancer. This happens because obesity can weaken the body's natural anti-cancer defenses. Our team has found a specific type of RNA, called SNORD46, that appears to be more active in breast cancer and is linked to obesity. We believe this RNA might be making breast cancer resistant to current immune treatments. This work will explore how SNORD46 contributes to breast cancer development and resistance, and whether blocking it can boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients with breast cancer, particularly those whose condition is associated with obesity and who might benefit from improved immunotherapy options.
Not a fit: Patients whose breast cancer is not linked to obesity or who are not candidates for immunotherapy may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that improve how well immunotherapies work for breast cancer patients, especially those who are also living with obesity.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of specific snoRNAs in obesity-associated immunotherapy resistance is a novel area, immunotherapies like PD-1/PD-L1 blockade have shown success in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIN, CHUNRU — UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: LIN, CHUNRU
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.