Targeting DNA instability in breast cancer
MSK SPORE in Genomic Instability in Breast Cancer
Tests new ways to treat breast cancers that have DNA repair problems, unstable chromosomes, or APOBEC-driven mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11397973 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have breast cancer, this program focuses on three kinds of tumor DNA problems: faults in DNA repair (homologous recombination deficiency), chaotic chromosome changes (chromosomal instability), and mutations driven by APOBEC enzymes. Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering will use tumor sequencing, lab models, and early clinical work to find drug vulnerabilities tied to these DNA errors. They plan to refine use of existing drugs like PARP inhibitors, explore immune-based approaches for chromosomal instability, and develop methods to detect and target APOBEC-driven resistance. The aim is to match patients to treatments that specifically target the type of genomic instability in their tumor.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with breast cancer whose tumors show homologous recombination deficiency, high chromosomal instability, or APOBEC mutation signatures, including those with treatment-resistant disease.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not display these genomic instability features are unlikely to receive direct benefit from the specific approaches in this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to more precise treatments and new drugs for patients whose breast cancers carry these specific DNA instability patterns.
How similar studies have performed: PARP inhibitors have delivered clear benefits for tumors with homologous recombination defects, while therapies targeting chromosomal instability and APOBEC-driven resistance are more experimental and less proven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Powell, Simon N. — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Powell, Simon N.
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.