Uncovering Why HER2+ Breast Cancer Metastasizes to the Brain
Official title: Uncovering the Molecular Determinants of Metastatic Recurrence and Impaired NK Cell Function
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11374544 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how HER2-positive breast cancer cells survive in the brain and spread, with a focus on brain metastasis and immune interactions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $604,306 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA292390-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374544 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with HER2+ breast cancer at risk for brain metastases or those with brain metastases being treated.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without brain metastasis or without HER2+ status may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project uses patient-relevant models to understand why certain HER2+ breast cancer cells persist in the brain and later form metastases. It looks at dormant cell populations, how they evade immune signals, and how they respond to radiation and HER2 therapies. The work combines advanced models and molecular techniques to map regulatory elements and protein interactions involved in brain metastasis. The goal is to identify targets that could prevent or treat brain metastases in people with HER2+ breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new targets to prevent brain metastases or improve responses to therapy for HER2+ breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that brain-tropic cancer cells can become dormant and resist therapy, but this work seeks deeper molecular insights to translate into new treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malladi, Srinivas — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Malladi, Srinivas
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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.