Understanding why some breast cancer patients respond to paclitaxel while others do not
Official title: Mechanisms of paclitaxel sensitivity and resistance
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11292616 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | March 4, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $559,860 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284747-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11292616 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients, particularly those who have not responded to paclitaxel or are at risk of resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with breast cancer who are already responding well to paclitaxel or those with non-breast cancer diagnoses may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for chemotherapy response, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weaver, Beth a — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Weaver, Beth a
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.