Understanding how DNA damage affects immune response in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
Official title: Defining the role of persistent DNA bridges in tumor-intrinsic immune activation in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10996074 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain DNA issues in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer might help the immune system fight the disease better, especially when using a specific type of treatment called PARP inhibitors, to find ways to improve outcomes for patients with these genetic conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $47,938 |
| NIH project number | 5F31CA278265-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996074 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, particularly those with BRCA mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without hereditary breast and ovarian cancer or those with non-BRCA-related cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of persistent DNA bridges in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and how they may activate the immune system. It focuses on the effects of PARP inhibitors, which are used to treat BRCA-mutant cancers, and how these treatments can lead to increased DNA damage that may enhance immune responses. By studying the mechanisms behind this interaction, the research aims to find ways to improve treatment outcomes for patients with DNA repair deficiencies. The approach includes laboratory experiments to analyze the relationship between DNA damage and immune activation in cancer cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies that enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments for patients with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using PARP inhibitors in BRCA-mutant cancers, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kocak, Ece — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Kocak, Ece
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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.