Targeting a specific enzyme to treat breast cancer that has spread to the brain
Official title: Targeting FASN to eliminate metastatic breast cancer in the brain
Funded at University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-10884918 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common enzyme in breast cancer that spreads to the brain can be targeted using everyday heartburn medications to make cancer treatments work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $205,853 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA277252-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884918 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients who have developed metastasis in the brain, particularly those with triple-negative breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with breast cancer that has not metastasized to the brain or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing metastatic breast cancer in the brain, a challenging condition due to the protective blood-brain barrier. The study investigates the role of fatty acid synthase (FASN), an enzyme that is found to be elevated in breast cancer brain metastasis. By repurposing FDA-approved proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the research aims to inhibit FASN activity and enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments. Patients may benefit from a novel approach that combines these inhibitors with standard therapies to improve outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for breast cancer patients with brain metastasis, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting FASN with repurposed drugs, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jian-Ting — University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jian-Ting
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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.