Improving Targeted Therapy for Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Official title: In Situ Albumin Binding siRNAs for Triple Negative Breast Cancer Tumor Penetration and Molecularly Targeted Therapy
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11109596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to develop a new way to deliver targeted medicines directly to triple-negative breast cancer tumors using special RNA molecules.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 5, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $550,518 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA260958-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant for patients with triple-negative breast cancer who may eventually benefit from new, more targeted treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or conditions would not directly benefit from this specific targeted therapy.
What this research studies
Many cancer treatments delivered by tiny particles struggle to reach tumors effectively, especially in aggressive cancers like triple-negative breast cancer. Our project is developing a new method using special RNA molecules, called siRNAs, that can attach to a natural protein in your blood called albumin. This 'hitchhiking' allows the siRNAs to travel more efficiently through the body and penetrate deep into tumor tissues. The goal is to create a safer and more effective way to deliver powerful, targeted therapies that can turn off specific genes driving cancer growth, even those currently considered untreatable. Early findings suggest this approach significantly improves how much medicine reaches the tumor compared to other delivery methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and safer treatments for triple-negative breast cancer by precisely targeting cancer cells and minimizing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Early proof-of-principle studies have shown promising results for this albumin-hitchhiking siRNA delivery method, demonstrating improved tumor targeting and safety.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duvall, Craig Lewis — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Duvall, Craig Lewis
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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.