NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

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.

More Breast Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of the Incarnate Word
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Antonio, United States)
Project startSeptember 16, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$166,711
NIH project number1R16GM154622-01
Project IDNIH-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.

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.