Understanding how BRCA mutations affect cancer treatment response

Defining BRCA replication dysfunction in therapy response

NIH-funded research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11095814

This study is looking at how tumors with BRCA gene mutations react to cancer treatments, aiming to understand why some respond well while others don't, which could help doctors find better ways to predict and improve treatment for patients with these types of tumors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Worcester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11095814 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how tumors with mutations in the BRCA genes respond to cancer therapies. It focuses on the role of DNA replication stress and the formation of single-stranded DNA gaps in cancer cells. By employing advanced experimental techniques, the study aims to identify the mechanisms that lead to therapy sensitivity and resistance in BRCA-deficient tumors. The findings could help develop biomarkers for predicting treatment outcomes and strategies to overcome resistance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with breast or ovarian cancers associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

Not a fit: Patients without BRCA mutations or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with BRCA-related cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cancer treatment responses related to DNA repair mechanisms, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Worcester, 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.
Conditions Breast Cancer 1 GeneBreast Cancer 1 Gene Product
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.