Reducing differences within breast tumors to improve treatment
Targeting intratumor heterogeneity in breast cancer
This research looks for ways to understand and lessen the variety of cells inside breast tumors so treatments work better for people with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146534 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view as a patient, researchers will analyze tumor samples and clinical records to map genetic and epigenetic differences among cancer cells and how those differences change with therapy. They will examine how immune cells and other parts of the tumor environment influence which cell groups survive, spread, or resist treatment. The team uses advanced genomic tools, laboratory models, and analysis of HER2-positive and other breast tumors to link tumor diversity to treatment failure. Their work aims to find targets or strategies that reduce harmful tumor diversity and improve responses to existing therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer—especially those with HER2-positive tumors or tumors that have not responded well to prior treatments—would be most relevant to related clinical opportunities.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than breast cancer or those needing an immediate change in therapy are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research itself.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to overcome treatment resistance and make breast cancer therapies more effective for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that tumor heterogeneity affects treatment response and some targeted approaches have had promise, but many strategies to overcome heterogeneity remain experimental.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Polyak, Kornelia — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Polyak, Kornelia
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.