Photoacoustic imaging to tailor antibody-drug therapy for TNBC
Official title: Photoacoustic molecular imaging for planning of neoadjuvant antibody-drug-conjugate treatment of triple negative breast cancer
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11445261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A non-invasive imaging approach using light-based sound waves (photoacoustic imaging) is being developed to guide and personalize antibody-drug conjugate therapy for women with triple-negative breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $421,685 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA317339-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445261 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with triple-negative breast cancer who are candidates for Trop-2–targeted ADC therapy and undergoing neoadjuvant treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving Trop-2–targeted ADC therapy or without access to this imaging approach may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a non-invasive test that measures Trop-2 protein levels in TNBC tumors over time to help decide the best dose and duration of ADC treatment. It will use photoacoustic imaging to visualize tumor biology at clinical depth and provide feedback on how well the cancer is responding early in therapy. The goal is to help clinicians “right-size” treatments like sacituzumab govitecan, potentially improving outcomes while reducing unnecessary exposure to side effects. The work combines advanced imaging with biomarker assessment to support personalized care for TNBC patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more effective, personalized ADC therapy with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous early results show promise for Trop-2–targeted strategies, but non-invasive imaging to guide therapy is an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bouchard, Richard R. — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bouchard, Richard R.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
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A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
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Researchers will study how dormant cancer cells in liver and skin metastases of triple-negative breast cancer become quiescent or wake up, using organ-on-chip models and single-cell analysis to map chromatin states.
-
Rac-enhanced CAR-Macrophages against TNBC
A new cell therapy approach uses engineered macrophages with a CAR and Rac2 activation to target and kill triple-negative breast cancer cells expressing CSPG4.
-
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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.