Targeting weaknesses in breast cancer cells that survive treatment
Therapeutically leveraging metabolic vulnerabilities in breast cancer
This study is looking at how some stubborn breast cancer cells can survive treatment and cause the cancer to come back, and it aims to find ways to target their unique energy needs so we can create better treatments to keep cancer from returning.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10866551 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain breast cancer cells, known as drug-tolerant persisters (DTPs), manage to survive despite treatment. It focuses on estrogen receptor alpha-positive breast cancer, where these cells can persist for years and lead to tumor recurrence. The study aims to identify specific metabolic vulnerabilities in these cells that could be targeted to develop new treatment strategies. By understanding how these cells adapt their metabolism, the research seeks to create therapies that can effectively eliminate them and prevent cancer from returning.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with estrogen receptor alpha-positive breast cancer who have undergone endocrine therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of breast cancer or those who have not received endocrine therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent the recurrence of breast cancer by targeting the surviving cancer cells.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Todd W. — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Miller, Todd W.
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.