Using dendritic cell therapy to improve treatment for breast cancer with leptomeningeal disease.

Remodeling the Immune Landscape in Breast Cancer Leptomeningeal Disease Using Dendritic Cell Therapy is an Effective Treatment and Protects Against Disease Recurrence.

NIH-funded research H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-11046104

This study is testing a new way to treat leptomeningeal disease in advanced breast cancer patients by using special immune cells to help your body fight the cancer more effectively, and it hopes to improve survival and possibly lead to a cure.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project IDNIH-11046104 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel treatment approach for leptomeningeal disease (LMD) in advanced breast cancer patients, which currently has limited effective therapies. The study focuses on using polarized conventional Type I dendritic cells that are primed with specific HER2 and HER3 peptides to enhance the immune response against breast cancer cells. By delivering these dendritic cells directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, the research aims to stimulate a robust immune reaction that could prolong survival and potentially cure the disease. The approach is based on promising results from animal models that showed significant survival benefits and the development of immunological memory against the disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced stage breast cancer, particularly those with HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer who have developed leptomeningeal disease.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those without leptomeningeal disease are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from leptomeningeal disease associated with advanced breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar dendritic cell therapies in other cancer types, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Tampa, 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 advanced breast canceradvanced stage breast cancer
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.