Increasing immune cells in metastatic breast cancer by targeting HSF1.
Official title: Targeting heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) to increase tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in metastatic breast cancer.
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11049520 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blocking a protein called HSF1 might help boost the number of immune cells, especially CD8+ T cells, in breast cancer tumors that have spread, with the goal of finding better ways to improve cancer treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $378,444 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA285967-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049520 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 low levels of CD8+ T cells in their tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those whose tumors do not exhibit low CD8+ T cell levels may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how targeting heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) can enhance the presence of immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells, in metastatic breast cancer tumors. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which HSF1 suppresses immune cell infiltration and how its inhibition can lead to improved immune responses against tumors. By analyzing the relationship between HSF1 activity and immune cell presence, the research seeks to develop strategies that could make existing cancer therapies more effective for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer by enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting immune cell regulation can enhance anti-tumor responses, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carpenter, Richard L — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Carpenter, Richard L
Related research
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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.