Targeting a specific protein to stop breast cancer spread

Modulating growth, progression and metastasis in breast cancer by inhibiting MDA-9

['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · NIH-10803947

This study is looking at how a protein called MDA-9 affects the spread of aggressive triple negative breast cancer and is testing a new drug, PDZ1i, to see if it can help stop the cancer from spreading and work better with current chemotherapy, which could lead to new treatment options for patients with advanced breast cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (RICHMOND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10803947 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a protein called MDA-9 in the spread of metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). By developing a small molecule inhibitor known as PDZ1i, the researchers aim to prevent cancer cells from spreading and enhance the effectiveness of existing chemotherapy treatments. The study will involve experiments to understand how PDZ1i works and how it can be optimized for clinical use, potentially leading to new treatment options for patients with advanced breast cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic triple negative breast cancer who are seeking new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those whose cancer is not triple negative may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel therapeutic approach that significantly improves survival rates for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting MDA-9 to inhibit cancer metastasis, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

RICHMOND, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.