NIH-funded research R01 grant

Using blood tests to predict side effects and benefits of pembrolizumab in early stage triple negative breast cancer

Official title: Serum biomarkers to predict immune related adverse events and benefit from single agent pembrolizumab therapy in early stage triple negative breast cancer

Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11002002 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain blood markers can help doctors understand which patients with early stage triple negative breast cancer might have a tough time or do well with a treatment called pembrolizumab, using blood samples to find clues for better, personalized care.

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Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionArizona State University-Tempe Campus
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tempe, United States)
Project startDecember 14, 2023
Project endNovember 30, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$643,798
NIH project number5R01CA286128-02
Project IDNIH-11002002 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with early stage triple negative breast cancer who are considering or undergoing treatment with pembrolizumab.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of breast cancer or those not receiving pembrolizumab therapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific blood markers can help predict which patients with early stage triple negative breast cancer will experience adverse effects or benefit from treatment with pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor. By analyzing over 3,000 serum samples from nearly 1,200 patients, the study aims to identify auto-antibodies that could serve as reliable predictors of treatment outcomes. The approach focuses on utilizing easily accessible blood samples to measure immune responses, potentially leading to better personalized treatment strategies. Collaboration among experts in immunoproteomics and breast cancer will enhance the study's effectiveness.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved patient selection for pembrolizumab therapy, minimizing adverse effects and maximizing treatment benefits.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using serum biomarkers to predict treatment responses in cancer therapies, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
    Tempe, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Qiu, Ji — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
  • Study coordinator: Qiu, Ji

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.