Understanding how breast cancer cells survive and spread in the brain
Official title: Uncovering the Molecular Determinants of Metastatic Recurrence and Impaired NK Cell Function
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10941882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HER2+ breast cancer cells can hide and survive in the brain, which can lead to more cancer spreading, and it aims to find out how these cells avoid being attacked by the immune system, so we can discover better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $619,279 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA292390-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10941882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer, particularly those experiencing or at risk of brain metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-HER2+ breast cancer or those without brain metastasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which HER2+ breast cancer cells can survive in the brain and lead to further metastasis. Using innovative preclinical models, the study aims to identify the characteristics of dormant cancer cells and how they evade the immune system. The researchers will explore the role of specific proteins, such as AXL, in the survival and spread of these cancer cells, which may help in developing new treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights into why certain therapies fail and how to improve treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with HER2+ breast cancer that has spread to the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer cell behavior in the brain, but this specific approach using novel models and targeting AXL is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malladi, Srinivas — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Malladi, Srinivas
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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.