Proteogenomic-guided therapies for metastatic breast cancer using patient-derived models
Research Project 2 Proteogenomic-guided therapeutic targeting of breast cancer patient-derived xenograft metastases
This project uses tumor samples from breast cancer patients, with emphasis on Black patients who often have aggressive triple-negative tumors, to find drug combinations that might better treat metastatic disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128354 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will create patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from breast tumor samples and determine the patients' genetic ancestry to focus on Basal-like tumors from Black patients. They will map which organs those PDX tumors spread to and measure detailed genomic and proteomic profiles of the primary tumors and metastases. Tumor-derived cells will be tested in the lab against drug candidates, including selinexor-based combinations, to find therapies that reduce metastatic growth. The team aims to identify promising drug combinations for follow-up testing and potential future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are breast cancer patients able and willing to provide tumor tissue, especially Black patients with basal-like or triple-negative tumors.
Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer, or those with early-stage, non-metastatic hormone receptor–positive tumors who cannot or will not provide tissue samples, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify new drug combinations that improve treatment options for metastatic and triple-negative breast cancer, particularly for patients of African ancestry.
How similar studies have performed: Proteogenomics and PDX-based drug testing have produced promising preclinical leads, but using these approaches to guide patient therapies remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrell, Joshua (Chuck) — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Harrell, Joshua (Chuck)
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 below.