Understanding how brain cells contribute to breast cancer spreading to the brain

Roles of Glial Autophagy in Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI · NIH-11045766

This study is looking at how certain brain cells help breast cancer spread to the brain, hoping to find new ways to stop or treat this issue for patients with breast cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11045766 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of glial cells and their autophagy processes in the spread of breast cancer to the brain. By using mouse models, the study examines how these brain cells react to breast cancer cells and how their behavior may influence the progression of brain metastasis. The researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind increased autophagy in astrocytes, which are crucial for the growth of breast cancer in the brain. This could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating brain metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients who are at risk of or have developed brain metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with breast cancer who do not have any brain involvement or metastasis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce the spread of breast cancer to the brain, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on glial autophagy in breast cancer brain metastasis is novel, related research has shown promising results in understanding cancer metastasis mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.