Investigating how chemotherapy affects breast cancer spread and immune function in the liver
Official title: Understanding the impact of chemotherapy on breast cancer metastasis and immune function in the liver
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10923796 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chemotherapy affects the immune system and the spread of triple-negative breast cancer, with the hope of finding out how these treatments might change the way new immune therapies work for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $473,350 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279959-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923796 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer who are undergoing or have undergone chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer types or those who are not receiving chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of chemotherapy on breast cancer, particularly focusing on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It examines how standard treatments, including anthracycline-cyclophosphamide and taxane-based chemotherapy, impact the immune system and the spread of cancer to the liver. By using mouse models and clinical samples, the study aims to understand the relationship between chemotherapy, immune function, and tumor behavior in metastatic environments. The goal is to identify how chemotherapy may impair immune responses, potentially affecting the effectiveness of new immunotherapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and immunotherapy for breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune response to chemotherapy, but this specific investigation into liver metastasis in TNBC is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcallister, Sandra S — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mcallister, Sandra S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how chemotherapy affects breast cancer spread and liver immunity
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How chemotherapy can change breast cancer spread to the liver and the immune system
This research will learn whether standard chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer changes immune cells in the liver and makes liver metastasis more likely.
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ER+ Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis in a Real Body Environment
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Stable, ultra-tight peptides to block EphB4 and stop TNBC spread
A new peptide-based approach aims to block a cancer molecule called EphB4 to prevent metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer, especially in African American women.
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.