New treatment targeting HER2 in breast cancer
Official title: Characterization of HER2 inhibitors with a novel mechanism of action
Funded at University of Texas Tyler · NIH-10884074 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment that could help people with certain types of breast cancer by blocking a protein called HER2, which helps cancer cells grow, and it aims to be safer and more effective than current options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Tyler NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tyler, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $447,195 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA283780-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884074 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, particularly those who have not responded to current HER2-targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with HER2-negative breast cancer or those who do not have breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel small molecule designed to inhibit the dimerization of the HER2 receptor, which is crucial for the growth of certain breast cancer cells. By using advanced virtual screening and molecular modeling, the researchers aim to create a treatment that can effectively target mutated forms of HER2 that current therapies cannot address. The approach focuses on allosteric inhibition, which may allow the drug to cross the blood-brain barrier and prevent cancer metastasis. The initial findings show that this molecule selectively inhibits cancer cell lines overexpressing HER2 without causing toxicity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, especially those resistant to existing therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting HER2 has been a focus in cancer treatment, this specific approach using allosteric inhibition is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Tyler
Tyler, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abdelaziz, May H. — University of Texas Tyler
- Study coordinator: Abdelaziz, May H.
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.