New ways to make hard-to-treat breast cancer cells more responsive to chemotherapy

Novel Methods of Chemo-sensitizing Low-proliferative Disseminated Tumor Cells in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-11105852

This study is looking at ways to help patients with triple negative breast cancer who still have some cancer cells left after treatment, by finding a way to wake up those stubborn cells so they can be treated more effectively with chemotherapy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11105852 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have persistent minimal residual disease despite initial treatment. It aims to identify a specific signaling pathway that keeps rare, low-proliferative tumor cells dormant and resistant to therapy. By inhibiting this pathway, the researchers hope to reactivate these cells, making them more susceptible to chemotherapy. The study will involve clinical trials to test this new approach in patients with TNBC.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer who have minimal residual disease after neoadjuvant therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with non-triple negative breast cancer or those without minimal residual disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with triple negative breast cancer by effectively targeting and eliminating resistant tumor cells.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.