Investigating how mTOR affects tumor survival after treatment

Functional roles of mTOR in tumor persistence

['FUNDING_R01'] · METHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11066523

This study is looking at how a specific pathway in cancer cells helps tumors survive after chemotherapy, and it’s testing whether blocking this pathway can make tumors go into a resting state, which could lead to better treatments for patients with stubborn cancers.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMETHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11066523 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the role of the mTOR pathway in cancer cells, particularly how it influences tumor survival after chemotherapy. By examining how mTOR inhibitors can induce a dormant state in tumors, the study aims to understand why some tumors persist despite treatment. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze tumor behavior and responses to mTOR inhibition, potentially revealing new strategies for improving cancer therapies. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for resistant tumors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with breast cancer or other cancers who have experienced tumor persistence after chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers that have not undergone chemotherapy may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments that effectively target persistent tumors.

How similar studies have performed: While the mTOR pathway has been extensively studied, this specific approach to understanding tumor persistence through mTOR inhibition is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer therapy, Breast Cancer Patient, breast cancer patient-derived xenograft, breast cancer PDX, cancer chemotherapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.