Investigating a pathway that may help treat breast cancer spreading to bones

CXCL5/CXCR2 axis as a therapeutic vulnerability of breast cancer metastasis to bone

NIH-funded research University of Notre Dame · NIH-11088723

This study is looking at how certain signals in the body help breast cancer spread to the bones, especially in women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, and it will test new treatments to see if they can stop or slow down this spread.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Notre Dame NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Notre Dame, United States)
Project IDNIH-11088723 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how certain signals in the body contribute to the spread of breast cancer to the bones, particularly in patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. It aims to explore the role of a specific chemokine, Cxcl5, and its receptor, CXCR2, in promoting this metastasis. The researchers will test new therapies, including CXCR2 inhibitors, either alone or in combination with existing treatments, to see if they can effectively prevent or reduce bone metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who are at risk of or have developed bone metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with non-estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer or those without bone metastasis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that specifically target and inhibit breast cancer metastasis to the bones, improving outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting the CXCL5/CXCR2 axis is novel, similar strategies in targeting cancer metastasis have shown promise in other studies.

Where this research is happening

Notre Dame, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.