Understanding how semaphorin 7A affects breast cancer progression and immune response
Official title: Discerning mechanisms of semaphorin 7A-mediated tumor progression via immunoevasion
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11142783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called semaphorin 7A affects breast cancer, especially in women who develop it after having a baby, and it hopes to find out if blocking this protein can help slow down the cancer's growth and spread, which could lead to new treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $99,022 |
| NIH project number | 4K00CA284276-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with postpartum breast cancer or those with high SEMA7A expression in their tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer that does not express SEMA7A may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of semaphorin 7A (SEMA7A) in breast cancer, particularly postpartum breast cancer (PPBC). It aims to understand how SEMA7A influences immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. The study will explore the mechanisms by which SEMA7A promotes immune evasion and whether blocking SEMA7A with monoclonal antibodies can slow down tumor progression. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting SEMA7A.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve survival rates for patients with aggressive forms of breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting similar signaling pathways in cancer has led to promising therapeutic advancements, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elder, Alan Michael — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Elder, Alan Michael
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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.