Understanding why some breast cancer patients respond to paclitaxel while others do not

Mechanisms of paclitaxel sensitivity and resistance

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11292616

This study is looking at how breast cancer tumors react to the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, with the goal of finding ways to predict which patients will benefit from it and improve the treatment for those who don’t respond well, so that it can be more tailored to each person's needs.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-11292616 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind the sensitivity and resistance of breast cancer tumors to the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel. It aims to identify biomarkers that can predict which patients will benefit from this treatment and to develop methods to enhance the effectiveness of paclitaxel in those who currently do not respond. By analyzing tumor characteristics and their response to paclitaxel, the researchers hope to transform this standard chemotherapy into a more personalized treatment option for breast cancer patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients, particularly those who have not responded to paclitaxel or are at risk of resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with breast cancer who are already responding well to paclitaxel or those with non-breast cancer diagnoses may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for breast cancer patients, allowing for more effective use of paclitaxel and potentially increasing survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for chemotherapy response, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Madison, 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.
Conditions anti-cancer treatment
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.