Targeting two pathways to treat aggressive breast cancer
Official title: Dual inhibition of PARP and STAT3 as a novel therapeutic approach for triple-negative breast cancer
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11012868 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment for triple-negative breast cancer that aims to make current therapies work better by targeting specific proteins, and it could be especially helpful for patients with BRCA mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $181,180 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA270591-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012868 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those with BRCA mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancers or those with other subtypes of breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer with limited effective therapies. The study aims to inhibit two key proteins, PARP and STAT3, which are involved in cancer cell survival and resistance to treatment. By targeting these proteins, the researchers hope to enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies and reduce cancer cell growth. Patients with TNBC, especially those with BRCA mutations, may benefit from this innovative combination therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with similar dual-targeting approaches in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Jiayuh — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Lin, Jiayuh
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.
-
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.