NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving treatment for brain and bone metastases in breast cancer

Official title: Targeting brain and bone metastases in metastatic breast cancer for improved patient survival

Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11059072 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking for ways to help people with metastatic breast cancer by creating new treatments that can better reach and fight cancer in the brain and bones, which could lead to improved survival and slower disease progression.

More Breast Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project startApril 20, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$614,894
NIH project number5R01CA276152-03
Project IDNIH-11059072 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer who have brain or bone metastases.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those without metastases may not receive benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on addressing the challenges of treating brain and bone metastases in patients with metastatic breast cancer. It aims to develop new drug analogs that can effectively penetrate the brain and overcome resistance to existing chemotherapy drugs. The study will involve optimizing a promising compound, SB-216, and creating novel drug conjugates that target bone metastases. Patients may benefit from innovative therapies that improve survival and reduce the progression of metastatic disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with metastatic breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing therapies targeting metastatic breast cancer, but this approach with SB-216 is novel and aims to address specific challenges in treatment.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
    Memphis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Li, Wei — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Li, Wei

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.