Targeting brain tumors in patients with advanced breast cancer using engineered cell therapies
Official title: Targeting metastatic tumors with engineered cellular therapies
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10931641 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with advanced breast cancer who have brain tumors by using specially designed stem cells that can target the tumors and boost the immune system, with the hope of making treatments more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $385,097 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285519-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931641 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with advanced breast cancer that has metastasized to the brain, particularly those with EGFR positive or triple-negative subtypes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer-related brain tumors or those whose cancer has not metastasized to the brain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative therapies to treat metastatic brain tumors, particularly in patients with advanced breast cancer. The approach involves using engineered mesenchymal stem cells that can target specific pathways in tumor cells and enhance immune responses against these tumors. By injecting these cells directly into the brain or through the carotid artery, the research aims to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. The study builds on promising results from animal models and seeks to address critical questions about combining these therapies with other treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with aggressive brain metastatic breast tumors, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar engineered cell therapies in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Khalid a — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shah, Khalid a
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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.