Understanding how acid signaling affects breast cancer spread to bones and immune response.
Official title: Mechanism of acid signaling in bone organ metastases on tumor and myeloid cell evolution towards immune suppression and tumor progression
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11028634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain signals in the body affect breast cancer that has spread to the bones, with the goal of finding new ways to help improve treatments for patients dealing with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $645,323 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA297167-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11028634 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients with bone metastases, particularly those who have not responded well to existing immune therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those without bone metastases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of acid signaling in the progression of breast cancer that has spread to the bones. It focuses on how breast tumor cells interact with myeloid cells in the bone environment, leading to immune suppression and resistance to treatments. By exploring the mechanisms of acid and cytokine production, the study aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve the effectiveness of immune therapies for patients with bone metastases. The research employs preclinical models to test these interactions and potential interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for breast cancer patients with bone metastases, enhancing their response to immune therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting immune suppression in cancer, but this specific approach focusing on acid signaling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weilbaecher, Katherine Nelson — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Weilbaecher, Katherine Nelson
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.