Understanding how tumor cells communicate with immune cells in breast cancer
Official title: Tumor cell -TAM Paracrine Signaling in Breast Cancer
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11042768 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in breast cancer, called tumor-associated macrophages, interact with cancer cells and affect how the tumor grows and responds to treatment, with the hope of finding better ways to help patients who aren't getting good results from current therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | March 13, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $447,481 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269508-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042768 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with high levels of tumor-associated macrophages.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer diagnoses or those whose tumors do not involve significant TAM interactions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in breast cancer, particularly focusing on how these immune cells influence tumor growth and response to treatment. By studying the tumor microenvironment, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to poor outcomes in patients with high TAM levels. The approach includes analyzing the signaling pathways involved in TAM polarization and their effects on tumor biology, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights that could improve treatment options for breast cancer, especially for those who do not respond to current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies for breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting tumor-associated macrophages in other cancer types, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yeh, Elizabeth S — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Yeh, Elizabeth S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Breast Cancer Guideline Adherence in Nigeria
Aimed at helping doctors in Nigeria follow international guideline-based breast cancer care to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer.
-
Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
-
Translational breast cancer research to improve treatment options
A comprehensive program at Baylor College of Medicine is focusing on breast cancer; researchers will advance targeted therapies and biomarkers to help patients with aggressive or hard-to-treat forms.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
-
Gut bacteria and metabolites linked to breast density and cancer risk
A small, patient-friendly study will explore whether gut bacteria and their byproducts are connected to high breast density, which can raise cancer risk and make screening less accurate.
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.