Investigating a natural compound for treating triple-negative breast cancer
Official title: Mechanistic Evaluation of Macrocyclic Diterpenoids with Selective Triple Negative Breast Cancer Activity
Funded at University of the Incarnate Word · NIH-10932738 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a natural compound called yuanhuacine to see if it can help treat triple-negative breast cancer by targeting specific cancer cells, with the hope of finding better treatments for patients facing this tough type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of the Incarnate Word NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $166,711 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM154622-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932738 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those with the basal-like 2 subtype.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of breast cancer or those who do not have triple-negative breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a challenging type of cancer that lacks targeted therapies. The study aims to explore a natural compound called yuanhuacine, which has shown potential in selectively targeting specific subtypes of TNBC. Researchers will investigate how this compound works at the molecular level, particularly its effects on a protein known as PKC βII, which may influence the cancer cells' response to treatment. By understanding these mechanisms, the goal is to develop more effective therapies for patients with TNBC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, targeted treatment options for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using natural compounds for cancer treatment is not entirely novel, the specific focus on yuanhuacine and its selective action on TNBC subtypes represents a potentially innovative direction in cancer therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fermaintt, Charles Steven — University of the Incarnate Word
- Study coordinator: Fermaintt, Charles Steven
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
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A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
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Dormancy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: How Liver and Skin Metastases Go Quiet or Reactivate
Researchers will study how dormant cancer cells in liver and skin metastases of triple-negative breast cancer become quiescent or wake up, using organ-on-chip models and single-cell analysis to map chromatin states.
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Rac-enhanced CAR-Macrophages against TNBC
A new cell therapy approach uses engineered macrophages with a CAR and Rac2 activation to target and kill triple-negative breast cancer cells expressing CSPG4.
-
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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.