NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Targeting breast cancer metastases using patient-derived models

Official title: Research Project 2 Proteogenomic-guided therapeutic targeting of breast cancer patient-derived xenograft metastases

Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10890853 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at breast cancer in patients of Black ancestry to create models that help us understand how aggressive types of breast cancer behave and spread, and to see if certain drug combinations, like selinexor, can effectively treat it, all with the goal of improving treatment for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project startJuly 19, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$254,405
NIH project number5U54CA283762-02
Project IDNIH-10890853 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients, especially those of Black ancestry, who have been diagnosed with Basal-like Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-metastatic breast cancer or those with other cancer types may not receive benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from breast cancer patients, particularly those of Black ancestry, to better understand the genetic and proteomic profiles of aggressive breast cancer subtypes. The project aims to identify how these tumors spread to different organs and evaluate the effectiveness of specific drug combinations, including selinexor, in treating metastatic breast cancer. By utilizing these models, the research seeks to address disparities in breast cancer treatment and outcomes among different ancestral groups.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with aggressive forms of breast cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using patient-derived models to study cancer, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights and therapeutic strategies.

Where this research is happening

  • Virginia Commonwealth University
    Richmond, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Harrell, Joshua (Chuck) — Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Study coordinator: Harrell, Joshua (Chuck)

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.