Improving viral immunotherapy for breast cancer that has spread to the brain
Enhanced Viro-Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis
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.
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 ID | NIH-11184335 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying why oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) treatments often fail in breast cancer brain metastases and how the tumor environment blocks the immune response. They will examine how insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and neutrophils, including neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), interfere with virus spread and anti-tumor immunity using tumor models and laboratory experiments. Based on those findings, the team will test strategies to counteract neutrophil-driven resistance to boost viral replication and strengthen the immune attack in preclinical models. The project is led at UTHealth Houston and aims to support future clinical trials combining oHSV with treatments that modify neutrophils or IGF2 signaling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with breast cancer that has metastasized to the brain and who might be eligible for trials of oncolytic virus-based or related immunotherapies.
Not a fit: Patients without brain metastases or those who cannot receive viral or immune-based treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make oncolytic virus therapy more effective against breast cancer brain metastases, potentially slowing tumor growth and improving survival.
How similar studies have performed: Oncolytic herpes viruses have shown benefit in some cancers (for example FDA-approved use in melanoma and trials in brain tumors), but combining oHSV with approaches to block neutrophil-driven resistance is a newer and less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- 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
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.