Understanding how to improve immune therapy for breast cancer that has spread to the brain

Elucidating resistance mechanisms and enhancing response to immune checkpoint blockade in central nervous system metastases from breast cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-10997794

This study is looking at how well new immune therapies work for breast cancer that has spread to the brain and spinal cord, and it's for patients who are facing this tough situation, as researchers want to understand how the cancer and the immune system interact to improve treatment options.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10997794 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the challenges of treating breast cancer that has metastasized to the central nervous system (CNS) using immune therapies. It involves conducting Phase II trials to evaluate the effectiveness of new immunotherapy treatments specifically for CNS metastases. Researchers will collect and analyze samples from patients before, during, and after treatment to understand how cancer and the immune system interact over time. By using advanced technologies, they aim to identify why some patients respond to treatment while others do not, and explore new combination therapies to enhance treatment effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer that has metastasized to the central nervous system.

Not a fit: Patients with breast cancer that has not spread to the central nervous system may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and outcomes for patients with breast cancer that has spread to the brain.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with immunotherapy in various cancers, but this specific approach for CNS metastases is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Breast Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.