Targeting breast cancer with specialized nanoparticles

Macrophage-specific nanotherapy for breast cancer

NIH-funded research Michigan State University · NIH-11063976

This study is looking at a new way to help your body fight breast cancer by using tiny particles that deliver special treatments to immune cells, helping them better attack the cancer while aiming to reduce side effects from traditional therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-11063976 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the body's ability to fight breast cancer by using nanoparticles that deliver specific inhibitors to immune cells called macrophages. These nanoparticles aim to overcome the cancer's defense mechanisms that prevent immune cells from attacking tumor cells. By restoring the process of phagocytosis, where immune cells engulf and eliminate cancer cells, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing side effects typically associated with current therapies. The study will utilize animal models to test the effectiveness of these nanoparticles in delivering the inhibitors directly to the tumor-infiltrating macrophages.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer who are seeking innovative treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with non-breast cancer types or those who are not eligible for experimental therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective breast cancer treatments with fewer side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, 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.
Conditions anti-canceranti-cancer immunotherapyanticancer immunotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.