p27 protein test to predict response to CDK4/6 drugs
Official title: Tyrosine phosphorylation of p27Kip1 as a biomarker to identify Cdk4/6 inhibitor response
Funded at Suny Downstate Medical Center · NIH-11235188 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A lab test that measures a chemical change on the p27 protein to help predict which people with advanced breast cancer will benefit from CDK4/6 drugs like palbociclib, abemaciclib, or ribociclib.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Suny Downstate Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Brooklyn, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $623,507 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA249667-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11235188 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with hormone receptor–positive metastatic breast cancer who are about to start or consider CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment would be the main candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors lack the p27 tyrosine change, those not treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors, or people with cancer types not covered by the study may not gain direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project is developing a lab assay that detects tyrosine phosphorylation of the p27 protein in tumor tissue as a sign that the CDK4 target is active. Researchers will analyze tumor biopsies and archived patient samples and compare the p27 signal with past responses to CDK4/6 drugs. Laboratory studies in cell models will refine the test and its interpretation. The overall aim is a practical companion diagnostic that can be used before treatment to guide therapy choices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this test could help doctors give CDK4/6 drugs to patients most likely to benefit and spare others from ineffective treatment and side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Similar biomarker approaches are relatively new: some lab and retrospective clinical data suggest potential, but there is not yet a validated, widely used companion test for CDK4/6 drugs.
Where this research is happening
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Suny Downstate Medical Center
Brooklyn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brissette, Janice L — Suny Downstate Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Brissette, Janice L
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.