Theranostic treatment for breast cancer using bacteria-guided radioactive therapy
Official title: Theranostic treatment and prevention of breast tumors with bacteria-targeted radiohaptens
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11422185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses engineered bacteria to help deliver targeted radioactive therapy to breast tumors, potentially benefiting people with aggressive forms like triple-negative breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $455,679 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA300738-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11422185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with triple-negative breast cancer or related high-risk tumors suitable for radiopharmaceutical approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not reliably uptake the bacterial targeting system or who have conditions that contraindicate bacterial therapies may receive limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing a theranostic platform where tumor-hunting bacteria concentrate a radioactive compound in breast tumors to enable precise imaging and therapy. Researchers will design a bacterial protein that binds a radionuclide carrier, test its tumor-targeting ability, and evaluate safety and distribution in preclinical models. The work aims to pair diagnostic imaging with targeted radiation to treat metastatic disease while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. If successful, this could lead to more effective, tailored treatment options for patients with hard-to-treat breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with aggressive breast cancer could receive more precise and potent treatment with potentially fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies with tumor-targeting bacteria and radiopharmaceuticals show promise, supporting continued exploration of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheal, Sarah Marie — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Cheal, Sarah Marie
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.