Understanding how HER2 levels change in breast cancer
Official title: Mapping the origin of HER2 plasticity in breast cancer
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11114277 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some breast cancer tumors with low HER2 levels can still respond to treatments that target HER2, and it aims to find out how these tumors can change their HER2 status, which could help improve treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $219,491 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA286273-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11114277 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with HER2-low breast cancer, particularly those with triple-negative or estrogen receptor-positive subtypes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who do not exhibit any HER2-low characteristics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamic changes in HER2 expression in breast cancer, particularly focusing on tumors classified as HER2-low. It aims to understand how these tumors can still respond to HER2-targeted treatments despite having lower levels of HER2. By studying circulating tumor cells from patients, the research will explore the mechanisms behind the conversion of HER2-negative cells to HER2-positive cells and vice versa. This could lead to new strategies for enhancing treatment responses in patients with varying HER2 statuses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with HER2-low breast cancer, potentially increasing their response to targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding HER2 dynamics, but this specific approach to mapping HER2 plasticity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spangle, Jennifer Marie — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Spangle, Jennifer Marie
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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.