Improving treatment for breast cancer that has spread to the brain
Official title: Enhanced Viro-Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10933506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help breast cancer patients whose cancer has spread to the brain by using a special virus treatment, and it aims to find better ways to boost the immune system's response to this therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $475,165 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276942-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients who have developed brain metastasis and are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those without brain metastasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing viro-immunotherapy for patients with breast cancer that has metastasized to the brain. It investigates the use of oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1 (oHSV) therapy, which has shown promise in treating other cancers but has limitations in generating a strong immune response in this context. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind the resistance to this therapy and how to improve its effectiveness by targeting the tumor microenvironment and the immune response. Patients may be involved in trials that explore new treatment combinations to improve outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for breast cancer patients with brain metastasis, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise with similar viro-immunotherapy approaches in other cancers, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoo, Ji Young — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Yoo, Ji Young
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Enhanced Viro-Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis
A study testing a virus-based cancer therapy to help treat breast cancer that has spread to the brain, with focus on boosting the body’s immune response to fight the tumors.
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Enhanced virus-based immunotherapy for breast cancer that has spread to the brain
This project explores a modified herpes virus treatment designed to help the immune system fight breast cancer that has spread to the brain.
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Improving viral immunotherapy for breast cancer that has spread to the brain
This project tries to improve a cancer-killing herpes virus plus immune therapy to help people with breast cancer that has spread to the brain.
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Improving treatment for breast cancer that has spread to the brain
This study is looking for ways to make a promising new treatment for breast cancer that has spread to the brain work better, by helping your immune system fight the cancer more effectively.
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Prolactin signaling and brain metastasis in HER2-positive breast cancer
Researchers are studying how prolactin signals help HER2-positive breast cancer cells grow in the brain, with the goal of finding new ideas to prevent brain metastases.
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How an immune signal in brain support cells helps breast cancer spread to the brain
This project looks at whether a specific immune signal in brain support cells (astrocytes) helps breast cancer cells grow in the brain, aiming to help people with breast cancer that has spread to the brain.
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.