Improving radiation therapy for breast cancer by targeting BCL2
Targeting the BCL2 immune checkpoint to enhance the immunostimulatory effects of radiation in breast cancer
This project explores how blocking a protein called BCL2 might make radiation therapy more effective for people with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158678 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer is a major cause of death, and current treatments often face resistance, with new immune therapies showing limited success. This project looks at a protein called BCL2, which helps cancer cells survive chemotherapy and radiation. We want to understand how BCL2 affects the immune system around breast cancer cells, both before and after radiation treatment. The goal is to see if targeting BCL2 can make the immune system more active and help radiation therapy work better against the cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, especially those whose cancer may be resistant to current treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those whose breast cancer is not hormone receptor-positive may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to make radiation therapy more powerful and effective for patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, potentially overcoming treatment resistance.
How similar studies have performed: While BCL2 inhibitors like venetoclax are approved for other cancers, this approach of combining BCL2 targeting with radiation to boost immune response in breast cancer is a highly innovative and less explored strategy.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galluzzi, Lorenzo — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Galluzzi, Lorenzo
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.