Targeting CDK2 to treat hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has stopped responding to CDK4/6 inhibitors
Official title: Targeting CDK2 in CDK4/6 inhibitor-resistant HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11427743 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at a major hospital is testing CDK2 inhibitors to help patients with HR+/HER2− breast cancer whose cancer has become resistant to CDK4/6 inhibitors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $660,843 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA316243-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11427743 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HR+/HER2− metastatic breast cancer who have developed resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors and meet broader safety criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on CDK2 pathways or who have contraindications to CDK2 inhibitors may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on people with HR+/HER2− breast cancer, particularly those whose disease has progressed after standard therapies including CDK4/6 inhibitors. It explores whether newer, selective CDK2 inhibitors can overcome resistance by acting downstream of CDK4/6 and RB, potentially triggering cancer cell death even when RB is less important. Patient-derived cell lines and early clinical observations will guide understanding of how genetic background and prior treatments influence CDK2 inhibitor activity. The work aims to identify which patients are most likely to benefit and to inform future targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to new, more effective treatment options for patients whose breast cancer no longer responds to current CDK4/6 inhibitors.
How similar studies have gone: Early-phase data suggest CDK2 inhibitors can be beneficial in selected patients, but results are still preliminary.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanidas, Ioannis — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sanidas, Ioannis
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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.