Using intratumoral immunotherapy to improve immune responses in breast cancer

Intratumoral immunotherapy to enhance T cell infiltration and augment immune checkpoint blockade responses across molecular subtypes of breast cancer

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10914129

This study is exploring a new way to treat advanced breast cancer by using a special therapy that helps your immune system's T cells better attack the tumors, with the goal of making them more responsive to other treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10914129 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to treating breast cancer by using intratumoral immunotherapy to enhance the infiltration of T cells into tumors. The study focuses on patients with advanced, recurrent, or metastatic breast cancer, aiming to convert poorly immunogenic tumors into highly inflamed lesions that can respond better to immune checkpoint inhibitors. By analyzing the immune response at a cellular level, the research seeks to identify how specific immune pathways can be activated to improve treatment outcomes across different molecular subtypes of breast cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with advanced, recurrent, or metastatic breast cancer, particularly those with low T cell infiltration in their tumors.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those whose tumors are already highly responsive to existing immunotherapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that enhances the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies for breast cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using similar intratumoral immunotherapy approaches to enhance immune responses in various cancers, indicating potential for success in this study.

Where this research is happening

Durham, 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 Breast CancerBreast Cancer 1 GeneBreast Cancer 1 Gene ProductBreast Cancer Model
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.