Targeting the weaknesses of aggressive breast cancer cells
Official title: Targeting Metabolic Vulnerabilities of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10977363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to treat triple negative breast cancer by testing a special compound that might help kill the stubborn cancer stem cells, and it will also see how this treatment works with the immune system to fight the cancer better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $474,547 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA282098-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977363 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer who have limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other subtypes of breast cancer or those who do not have cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is known for its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. The study aims to identify new therapies that specifically target cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in TNBC, which are believed to contribute to poor patient outcomes. By using a compound called IB-DNQ that generates reactive oxygen species, the researchers will explore its effectiveness in killing these CSCs, both alone and in combination with another treatment that inhibits a specific enzyme. The research will also investigate how this approach affects the immune response against the tumor.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with triple negative breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates and reducing recurrence.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting cancer stem cells with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wicha, Max S. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Wicha, Max S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
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Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
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Linking heavy metal exposure to a tougher breast cancer type (TNBC)
Aimed at understanding how heavy metals like cadmium might trigger a dangerous breast cancer type (TNBC) in people, especially those with BRCA1 risk, to identify possible future treatment strategies.
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Dormancy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: How Liver and Skin Metastases Go Quiet or Reactivate
Researchers will study how dormant cancer cells in liver and skin metastases of triple-negative breast cancer become quiescent or wake up, using organ-on-chip models and single-cell analysis to map chromatin states.
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Rac-enhanced CAR-Macrophages against TNBC
A new cell therapy approach uses engineered macrophages with a CAR and Rac2 activation to target and kill triple-negative breast cancer cells expressing CSPG4.
-
A new peptide therapy to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
A new peptide therapy called PEG-FUD is being tested to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer by normalizing the tumor environment to improve treatment delivery.
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.