New drug combinations for triple-negative breast cancer
Investigating Rational Combination Therapies for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11283953
Testing whether combining drugs that target PIM kinases and related pathways can better kill tumors in people with triple-negative breast cancer, especially those with high MYC activity.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11283953 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will look for drug combinations that kill triple-negative breast cancer cells by targeting PIM kinases and pathways linked to MYC. They will use patient tumor samples, laboratory-grown cell lines, and animal models to test which drug pairs are most effective and least toxic. The team will search for biomarkers, like high MYC levels, that predict which tumors respond best so treatment can be matched to the right patients. Promising combinations would be prepared for early human testing to offer new options for patients whose tumors do not respond to current therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those whose tumors show high MYC activity or who have not responded to standard chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients without triple-negative disease or whose tumors do not show MYC-driven biology are unlikely to benefit from these specific combinations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to targeted drug combinations that shrink tumors and reduce recurrence for patients with MYC-driven triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown that targeting PIM kinases can kill MYC-driven cancer cells in labs and mouse models, but clinical success in patients is still limited.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MENDILLO, MARC — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MENDILLO, MARC
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Cell, Breast Cancer Patient, Breast Cancer cell line