Understanding how a common breast cancer drug affects immune cells
Immunometabolic pathways enabled by PARP inhibition in breast cancer
This research explores how a type of breast cancer medicine, called PARP inhibitors, can both help and hinder the body's immune response against tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11113865 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that PARP inhibitors, a common breast cancer treatment, can sometimes create immune cells called TAMs that actually help tumors grow and resist therapy. At the same time, these drugs can also make other immune cells, called T-cells, stronger and better at fighting cancer. This project aims to understand why PARP inhibitors have these opposite effects on different immune cells. By figuring out this puzzle, we hope to find new ways to make breast cancer treatments more effective for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for breast cancer patients currently receiving or considering PARP inhibitor therapy, as well as those who might benefit from improved immune-based treatments.
Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or those not suitable for PARP inhibitor treatment may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies that improve how PARP inhibitors and other immune therapies work together to fight breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While PARP inhibitors are established, combining them with immune checkpoint blockade has not yet shown superior results in early trials, highlighting the novelty of this approach to understand and overcome resistance.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guerriero, Jennifer L. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Guerriero, Jennifer L.
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.