Targeting BCL2 to boost radiation effects in HR+ breast cancer
Official title: Targeting the BCL2 immune checkpoint to enhance the immunostimulatory effects of radiation in breast cancer
Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-11370649 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores using a BCL2-targeting strategy to make radiation work better against hormone receptor–positive breast cancer in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $778,724 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA271915-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370649 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, especially those with tumors overexpressing BCL2, who may benefit from combined BCL2 inhibition and radiation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not overexpress BCL2 or who cannot receive radiation may have limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
The project studies how BCL2, a protein that helps cancer cells survive, shapes the immune environment in HR+ breast cancer and how it changes when radiation is given. It uses human and mouse tissues to see if reducing BCL2 can make the immune system respond more strongly to treatment. The researchers also test venetoclax, a BCL2 inhibitor, in combination with radiation in mouse models to see if this combo enhances anti-tumor effects. A novel model that mimics features of human HR+ breast cancer will help translate findings toward potential patient trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to more effective use of radiation by overcoming immune resistance in HR+ breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows BCL2 inhibitors are already approved for other cancers and may synergize with therapies that stimulate the immune response.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galluzzi, Lorenzo — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Galluzzi, Lorenzo
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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.