NIH-funded research R21 grant

Targeting estrogen receptor complexes to treat lobular breast cancer

Official title: Targeting context-specific estrogen receptor complexes to treat lobular breast cancer

Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11458846 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A study to explore how specific estrogen receptor partners affect lobular breast cancer and whether this can lead to better, more effective treatments.

More Breast Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project startJuly 13, 2026
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$417,074
NIH project number1R21CA307898-01A1
Project IDNIH-11458846 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with invasive lobular carcinoma or ER-positive breast cancer may be relevant if their tumors are studied or if derived data/samples are used.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-lobular breast cancer or ER-negative tumors may not benefit from this approach.

What this research studies

This project looks at lobular breast cancer, a form with poorer outcomes, and how estrogen receptor signaling drives tumor growth. It will examine context-specific ER-co-regulator interactions that change how therapies work in this cancer type. The researchers aim to identify new angles to improve existing endocrine therapies or develop better options for patients with lobular tumors. The work involves molecular analyses and model systems to understand ER-driven pathways in human cancer samples and related models.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more effective endocrine therapies tailored for lobular breast cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows ER signaling complexity in breast cancer; this study builds on that with a lobular-specific focus, which is relatively novel and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Colorado Denver
    Aurora, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sikora, Matthew J — University of Colorado Denver
  • Study coordinator: Sikora, Matthew J

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.