New rat models for estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer
Next Generation Rat Models of ER+ Breast Cancer
Researchers are creating rat versions of ER+ breast cancer that behave like the human disease and spread to bone so scientists can develop better ways to prevent and treat recurrence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294283 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is using targeted genetic changes delivered into rat mammary ducts to produce ER+ tumors in animals with intact immune systems. These rat tumors can be sensitive or resistant to hormone (endocrine) therapies and importantly form metastases in bone, which mirrors a common pattern in people. Having models that more closely match human ER+ breast cancer will let researchers study how tumors start, why they return in bone, and test new prevention or adjuvant treatments. The work is done in the lab and in animals and aims to speed the path toward human trials and better patient care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this project does not enroll people, patients with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer—especially those with or at risk for bone metastases—are the group most likely to benefit from follow-on clinical trials informed by this work.
Not a fit: People with non–ER+ breast cancers or cancers that typically do not spread to bone are less likely to benefit directly from findings focused on ER+ bone metastasis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new prevention strategies and adjuvant therapies that reduce the risk of ER+ breast cancer returning in bone.
How similar studies have performed: Existing mouse and cell-line models have generally failed to reproduce ER+ tumors that metastasize to bone, so creating immunocompetent rat models that do so is a relatively novel advance.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yi — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Li, Yi
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.