Using a new treatment approach to eliminate surviving breast tumor cells after chemotherapy and radiation
A sequential therapeutic strategy of senescence induction and senolytics for elimination of surviving residual breast tumor cells
This study is looking at a new way to help prevent breast cancer from coming back after treatment by using a special medicine that targets and kills stubborn tumor cells that survive chemotherapy and radiation, which could be helpful for patients who want to reduce their risk of recurrence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11043240 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel treatment strategy aimed at eliminating breast tumor cells that survive chemotherapy and radiation. It focuses on inducing a state of senescence in these tumor cells, which can lead to their eventual recovery and proliferation. The study will test the effectiveness of a senolytic agent, ABT-263, to selectively kill these senescent cells, thereby reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Patients may benefit from this approach if it successfully prevents the re-emergence of cancer after initial treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients who have completed initial treatment but are at risk of residual tumor cells re-emerging.
Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone chemotherapy or radiation for breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the chances of breast cancer recurrence in patients who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using senolytic agents is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar contexts, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gewirtz, David a. — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Gewirtz, David 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 below.