Targeting a key pathway in triple negative breast cancer to improve treatment options

NextGen RNAi Delivery to Breast Tumors for Selective mTORC2 Blockade

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University · NIH-10439746

This study is testing a new treatment for people with triple negative breast cancer that aims to make existing therapies work better by using a special medicine to target a protein that helps cancer cells survive, which could lead to improved outcomes and lower chances of the cancer coming back.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10439746 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new treatment for patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a type of cancer known for its poor response to existing therapies. The approach involves creating a specialized nanomedicine that selectively inhibits a specific protein complex (mTORC2) that contributes to cancer cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy. By targeting this pathway, the researchers aim to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the chances of cancer recurrence. Patients may benefit from this innovative therapy if it proves successful in clinical applications.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer who have limited treatment options and are at risk of recurrence.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of breast cancer or those who do not have triple negative breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new targeted therapy for patients with triple negative breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates and treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While targeting the mTOR pathway has been explored in other contexts, this specific approach to selectively inhibit mTORC2 in TNBC is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.