Targeting Metabolism in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer with p53 Changes

PRECISION METABOLIC THERAPY OF p53 MUTANT TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCERS

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11118927

This project looks for new ways to stop the growth of a specific type of aggressive breast cancer by focusing on its unique energy needs.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11118927 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to find new ways to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) that has changes in the p53 gene, a common feature in this aggressive cancer. Researchers know that cancer cells have different energy needs than healthy cells, and they are exploring how to target these differences. By using a large-scale screening method, they found a specific enzyme, ASAH1, that appears crucial for the growth and spread of these p53-mutant TNBCs. They have also identified potential drug candidates that can block ASAH1, suggesting a new path for treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with triple-negative breast cancer that has a p53 gene mutation would be the focus of future treatments developed from this research.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of breast cancer or those whose triple-negative breast cancer does not have a p53 mutation may not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, targeted treatments for patients with p53-mutant triple-negative breast cancer, a form of cancer that currently lacks specific therapies.

How similar studies have performed: This research builds on the understanding that cancer cells have unique metabolic needs and has already identified specific targets and potential inhibitors, suggesting a promising, yet still early-stage, approach.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, 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 Breast Cancer
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.