New Treatment Combinations for Metaplastic Breast Cancer

Dual targeting of PI3K and NOS pathways in Metaplastic BreastCancer (MBC)

NIH-funded research Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11141612

This research explores a new combination of treatments for patients with metaplastic breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMethodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11141612 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Metaplastic breast cancer is a very aggressive type of breast cancer with limited treatment options and a poor outlook for patients. Current treatments often don't work well because there are few specific targets for drugs. This project looks at two important pathways, PI3K/AKT and NOS, that are often overactive in metaplastic breast cancer cells. By blocking both pathways at the same time, researchers hope to find a more effective way to stop tumor growth and improve patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is focused on understanding and treating metaplastic breast cancer, particularly for patients who have limited treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients without metaplastic breast cancer or those whose cancer does not involve the PI3K/AKT and NOS pathways may not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, more effective treatment options for patients with metaplastic breast cancer, where current therapies are often insufficient.

How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical trials targeting the NOS pathway in triple-negative breast cancer patients have shown promising results, and laboratory studies combining these treatments have reduced tumor growth.

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.
Conditions Breast Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.