Investigating how stress affects the immune response in aggressive breast cancer.
Stress-induced immunosuppression via downregulation of interferon in triple negative breast cancer
This study is looking at how stress affects the immune system's ability to fight triple negative breast cancer and hopes to find ways, like using certain medications, to make treatments work better for patients dealing with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11287201 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how psychosocial stress impacts the immune system's ability to fight triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). It explores the role of stress hormones in reducing the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are treatments designed to enhance the immune response against tumors. By examining the mechanisms of stress-induced immunosuppression, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies, such as the use of beta-blockers, to improve treatment outcomes for patients with TNBC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, particularly those experiencing significant psychosocial stress.
Not a fit: Patients with other subtypes of breast cancer or those not experiencing psychosocial stress may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with triple negative breast cancer, enhancing their response to existing immunotherapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that interventions targeting stress responses can improve treatment outcomes in cancer patients, suggesting a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gandhi, Shipra — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Gandhi, Shipra
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 below.