Investigating a new treatment for aggressive breast cancer using targeted antibody therapy
Official title: Preclinical efficacy of GPR56 antibody-drug conjugates and combination therapies for triple-negative breast cancer
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11112706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment for triple-negative breast cancer that uses special drugs designed to target cancer cells directly, which could help improve results and lessen side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 start | March 10, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $215,311 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA291788-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those who have not responded well to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-triple-negative breast cancer or those who are not eligible for experimental therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is known for its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. The approach involves using antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that combine antibodies specifically targeting cancer cells with potent drugs to deliver treatment directly to tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. The study aims to identify GPR56, a receptor found on TNBC cells, as a target for these ADCs, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects for patients. By testing these therapies in preclinical models, the research seeks to establish their effectiveness and safety before moving to clinical trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatment options for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with similar antibody-drug conjugate approaches in treating various cancers, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carmon, Kendra S. — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Carmon, Kendra S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
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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Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
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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Linking heavy metal exposure to a tougher breast cancer type (TNBC)
Aimed at understanding how heavy metals like cadmium might trigger a dangerous breast cancer type (TNBC) in people, especially those with BRCA1 risk, to identify possible future treatment strategies.
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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.
-
A new peptide therapy to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
A new peptide therapy called PEG-FUD is being tested to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer by normalizing the tumor environment to improve treatment delivery.
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.