Targeted imaging and radiation peptides for triple-negative breast cancer
Novel MUC1 Theranostic Peptides for Imaging and Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Developing small MUC1-targeting peptides to help image tumors and deliver focused radiation to people with triple-negative breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284082 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are making small peptides that stick to MUC1, a protein found at high levels on most triple-negative breast tumors. Those peptides will be labeled so they can show up on scans and also carry tiny doses of radiation directly to cancer cells. The team will test the peptides' behavior in the body, how well they find tumors, and whether they can safely deliver radiation with less harm to normal tissues. If results look good in early work, the peptides could move toward testing in patients at a medical center.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer—especially those whose tumors show high levels of MUC1—would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with non–MUC1-expressing tumors, other breast cancer subtypes, or who cannot receive radiolabeled treatments would likely not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could let doctors better spot TNBC tumors and deliver radiation directly to cancer cells, potentially improving control of the disease while reducing side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Related work using MUC1-targeting antibodies and peptide radioligands has shown promise in preclinical studies and early clinical efforts, but peptide theranostics for TNBC remain relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beinat, Corinne — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Beinat, Corinne
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.