Understanding how breast cancer cells grow without estrogen
Official title: Mechanism of estrogen independent proliferation in ER+ breast cancer cells
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-10977525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain breast cancer cells can grow without needing estrogen, which could help find new ways to treat early-stage breast cancer for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $88,666 |
| NIH project number | 3U01CA264620-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977525 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with early-stage estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer or those with advanced metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the growth of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells that do not rely on estrogen for proliferation. By analyzing tumor biopsies and using advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomic profiling, the study aims to uncover how these cancer cells adapt and resist treatments. The researchers will explore the role of specific proteins and pathways that may contribute to this resistance, particularly focusing on the interaction between cell cycle regulators and estrogen signaling. This could lead to better treatment strategies for patients with early-stage breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, particularly those in earlier stages of the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in combining CDK inhibitors with endocrine therapy for metastatic breast cancer, suggesting potential for success in earlier stages as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nath, Aritro — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Nath, Aritro
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
ER+ Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis in a Real Body Environment
This grant aims to understand why estrogen receptor alpha–positive breast cancer often spreads to bone and how the bone environment and immune system affect treatment resistance.
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Targeting RAGE to fight obesity-related ER+ breast cancer and its drug resistance
A scientist team will explore how obesity-related inflammation involving RAGE and estrone interacts with ER+ breast cancer to drive growth and spread, aiming to find strategies to overcome therapy resistance.
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Understanding estrogen signals in bone to stop ER+ breast cancer spread
This NIH grant aims to uncover how estrogen signals inside bone help ER-positive breast cancer cells grow and spread, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent bone metastasis.
-
Progesterone Receptor Signaling and Dormancy in ER+ Breast Cancer
Researchers are studying how hormone signals in ER+/PR+ breast cancer influence cancer cell dormancy and later recurrence.
-
Heavy Metals and Breast Cancer Treatment Resistance
This project explores how exposure to heavy metals might make ER+ breast cancer harder to treat and how we might overcome this challenge.
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Turning ER-positive breast cancer into a viral target for immune attack
This project aims to wake up viral-like bits inside ER-positive breast cancer cells so the immune system can spot and attack them.
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.