Targeting heme metabolism to boost the immune response against breast cancer spread to the liver
Targeting heme metabolism to initiate an immune response against breast cancer liver metastasis
This study is looking at how aggressive breast cancer cells interact with the liver and how we can use this information to boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer, especially for patients whose breast cancer has spread to the liver.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171772 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how breast cancer cells, particularly aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), affect the liver environment and how this can be targeted to enhance immune responses. The study focuses on the role of heme metabolism and its byproduct, bilirubin, in altering immune cell behavior, specifically macrophages, which can either promote or inhibit tumor growth. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with liver metastasis from breast cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with aggressive breast cancer, particularly those with liver metastasis.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those without liver metastasis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new immunotherapy approaches that improve survival rates for patients with breast cancer that has spread to the liver.
How similar studies have performed: While immunotherapy has shown promise in treating metastatic breast cancer, the specific approach of targeting heme metabolism in liver metastasis is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Michelle M — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Williams, Michelle M
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.