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 new ways to target these cells so that patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer can have better treatment options and reduce the chances of recurrence.
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-11126975 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 anti-cancer treatments. The focus is on estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, where these cells can persist for years and lead to tumor recurrence. By understanding the metabolic changes that allow these cells to endure treatment, the research aims to identify specific vulnerabilities that can be targeted with new therapies. This approach could lead to more effective treatment strategies that prevent cancer from coming back.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who have undergone endocrine therapy and may be at risk of tumor recurrence.
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 therapies that effectively eliminate drug-resistant breast cancer cells and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
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.