Shark-Derived Therapy to Target TNBC with Radioactive Treatment
Official title: Shark Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11391249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment approach uses shark-derived molecules attached to radioactive therapy to target and kill triple-negative breast cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $631,384 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA295576-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with triple-negative breast cancer whose tumors overexpress c-MET and meet standard clinical criteria for experimental radiopharmaceutical therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not overexpress c-MET or who cannot receive radiopharmaceutical therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop a first-in-class radiopharmaceutical therapy that specifically targets the c-MET protein often found at high levels in TNBC. Researchers will use a tiny shark antibody fragment, called VNAR, to home in on c-MET and deliver lethal radiation directly to cancer cells. The approach leverages the idea that radiation can prompt cancer cells to overexpress c-MET, creating a potential “addiction” to the treatment. The work includes designing and testing the shark VNAR-based targeting in preclinical models to maximize tumor kill while protecting healthy tissue. If successful, this could lead to a new option for patients with limited therapies and poor outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with TNBC could have a new targeted radiopharmaceutical option that improves survival and reduces tumor burden.
How similar studies have gone: Radiopharmaceuticals have helped some cancers, but this exact shark VNAR targeting approach for TNBC is novel and in early testing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lebeau, Aaron Matthew — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Lebeau, Aaron Matthew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Finding the best radiotherapy dose to use with immunotherapy for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer
This study is looking for the best amount of radiation therapy to use alongside immunotherapy and chemotherapy for people with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, to help improve their treatment results.
-
Using gold nanoparticles to enhance radiotherapy for triple negative breast cancer
This study is looking at how tiny gold particles can make radiation treatment work better for people with triple negative breast cancer by boosting the immune system's ability to fight the cancer.
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Best radiation dose with pre-surgery chemo and pembrolizumab for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer
This project compares different radiation doses given before surgery together with chemotherapy and pembrolizumab for people with early-stage, node-positive triple-negative breast cancer to find the safest and most helpful approach.
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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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Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
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.
-
Linking heavy metal exposure to a tougher breast cancer type (TNBC)
Aimed at understanding how heavy metals like cadmium might trigger a dangerous breast cancer type (TNBC) in people, especially those with BRCA1 risk, to identify possible future treatment strategies.
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.