Personalized therapies for metastatic breast cancer using patient-derived models
Official title: Research Project 2: Identify and validate efficacious therapies for metastatic breast cancer
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11389275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Doctors and researchers are testing how patient-derived tumor models can help find effective treatments for metastatic breast cancer and predict which therapies will work based on molecular clues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $190,452 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA224076-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389275 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with metastatic breast cancer whose tissue samples can be used to create PDX, organoids, or tissue slice cultures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not grow well in the patient-derived models or whom the tested drugs are not suitable for their cancer subtype.
What this research studies
This project uses patient-derived xenografts (PDX), organoids, and tissue slices from breast cancer patients to test many drugs and combinations. It also looks for biomarkers that distinguish responders from non-responders and uses advanced computer tools to prioritize treatments. The goal is to identify new regimens that can move toward clinical testing in metastatic breast cancer. Results will come from models that reflect different patient treatment histories and disease stages.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with metastatic breast cancer could receive more effective therapies chosen from validated drug combinations.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows concordance between organoid and PDX drug responses and biomarker links, suggesting this approach can guide therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Welm, Alana L. — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Welm, Alana L.
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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.