Targeting two pathways to treat a rare type of breast cancer
Official title: Dual targeting of PI3K and NOS pathways in Metaplastic BreastCancer (MBC)
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-10884885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to treat metaplastic breast cancer by using a mix of existing medications to help make them work better together, with the hope of improving treatment results and survival for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $611,983 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284315-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer, particularly those who have not responded well to standard chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of breast cancer or those who have not been diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on metaplastic breast cancer (MpBC), a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that often has poor treatment outcomes. The study aims to explore the combined targeting of the PI3K and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathways to improve treatment efficacy. By utilizing a combination of existing drugs, the researchers hope to overcome resistance to chemotherapy and enhance tumor cell death. Patients may be treated with a specific drug regimen that has shown promise in preliminary studies, potentially leading to better survival rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new effective treatment option for patients with metaplastic breast cancer, improving their prognosis and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies targeting similar pathways in other breast cancer types have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Jenny C-N — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Chang, Jenny C-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.