Targeting Bone Metastasis from Breast Cancer
Modulation of Epigenetic Target in the Bone to Treat Breast Cancer Metastasis
This work explores new ways to stop breast cancer from spreading to the bones and other organs by using special medicines that target cancer cells in the bone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109710 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many breast cancer survivors face the challenge of cancer returning and spreading to other parts of the body, especially the bones, sometimes years after their initial treatment. This project aims to understand how these hidden cancer cells survive and grow in the bone. Researchers are developing new medications that specifically attach to bone and deliver epigenetic inhibitors, which are drugs that can change how cancer cells behave. The goal is to prevent breast cancer from forming new tumors in the bone and stop it from spreading further from the bone to other organs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with breast cancer, particularly those at risk for or experiencing bone metastasis, as it aims to develop future therapeutic strategies.
Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or those whose cancer has not spread to the bone may not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent breast cancer from spreading to the bones and other organs, improving long-term outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data from this team suggests that modified epigenetic inhibitors can effectively target bone and inhibit metastatic seeding, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Rice University — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Han — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Han
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.