NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving treatment for triple-negative breast cancer using anti-NMDAR antibodies

Official title: Optimizing Anti-NMDAR Antibodies for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Therapy

Funded at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · NIH-11108587 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a new treatment for triple-negative breast cancer that uses special antibodies to target a specific receptor in cancer cells, and it aims to make sure the treatment is effective while keeping any side effects in check, so it can help patients with this tough type of breast cancer.

More Breast Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCold Spring Harbor Laboratory
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States)
Project startApril 14, 2025
Project endMarch 31, 2030
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$781,436
NIH project number1R01CA300691-01
Project IDNIH-11108587 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer who may benefit from new therapeutic options.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of breast cancer or those who do not express NMDAR may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by utilizing antibodies that target the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), which is often overexpressed in TNBC cells. The study aims to differentiate the anti-tumor effects of these antibodies from their potential neurological side effects, which can include severe complications like psychosis and seizures. Researchers will use advanced imaging techniques to understand how these antibodies interact with NMDAR and will test their effectiveness in specially designed mouse models of TNBC. The goal is to create a safe and effective treatment option for patients with this aggressive form of breast cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel and effective therapy for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of antibodies in cancer therapy is well-established, this specific approach targeting NMDAR in triple-negative breast cancer is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

  • Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
    Cold Spring Harbor, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Janowitz, Tobias — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
  • Study coordinator: Janowitz, Tobias

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.