Understanding how breast cancer cells resist treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors

Regulation of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitor in breast cancer

NIH-funded research George Washington University · NIH-11043237

This study is looking into why some women with advanced ER+ breast cancer don’t respond to certain treatments, specifically a combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors and aromatase inhibitors, and it hopes to find new ways to help those patients whose cancer has become resistant to these drugs.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorge Washington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11043237 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind why some breast cancer patients do not respond to CDK4/6 inhibitors, which are commonly used in combination with aromatase inhibitors for treating advanced or metastatic ER+ breast cancer. The study focuses on a specific process called O-GlcNAcylation, which may play a role in cancer drug resistance. By employing advanced screening techniques and molecular approaches, the research aims to uncover new strategies to overcome resistance in patients whose tumors have become resistant to these treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with ER+ advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have experienced resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors.

Not a fit: Patients with breast cancer that is not ER+ or those who have not been treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for breast cancer patients who currently do not respond to CDK4/6 inhibitors.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting O-GlcNAcylation in relation to CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance is novel, other studies have successfully explored mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

Washington, 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 CancerBreast Cancer CellBreast Cancer Patient
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.