Understanding why some BRCA mutant cancers resist treatment

Investigating replication gap suppression in distinct modelsof chemoresistant BRCA mutant cancers

NIH-funded research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11070524

This study is looking into why some people with hereditary breast and ovarian cancers linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations don’t respond well to treatment, and it aims to find ways to make those treatments work better for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Worcester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11070524 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to uncover the reasons behind treatment resistance in hereditary breast and ovarian cancers caused by BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. The team will investigate how certain DNA repair mechanisms contribute to this resistance, focusing on the role of single-stranded DNA gaps. By studying different cancer models, they hope to identify specific factors that can be targeted to improve treatment outcomes for patients with these mutations. This work could lead to new strategies to overcome resistance and enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with hereditary breast or ovarian cancers that have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

Not a fit: Patients without BRCA mutations or those with non-hereditary forms of breast or ovarian cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with BRCA mutant cancers, potentially overcoming resistance to current therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding treatment resistance in BRCA mutant cancers, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Worcester, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.