Using nanoparticles to enhance breast cancer treatment by reversing immune evasion
Official title: ATP-responsive Nanoparticles for Reversal of Immune Evasion in Breast Cancer
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10992174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat breast cancer using tiny particles that can help boost your immune system's ability to fight the cancer by delivering special medicines right where they're needed, which could lead to better outcomes for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $181,390 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA286977-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992174 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with breast cancer, particularly those whose tumors express the HER2 protein and are receiving antibody-drug conjugate therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-HER2 positive breast cancer or those who are not receiving antibody-drug conjugate therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to improve breast cancer treatment by using nanoparticles that respond to ATP, a molecule released by cancer cells. These nanoparticles are designed to deliver inhibitors that block immunosuppressive enzymes in the tumor microenvironment, thereby enhancing the immune response against cancer. By combining this strategy with existing antibody-drug conjugates, the goal is to create a more effective treatment that can lead to better long-term outcomes for patients. Patients may benefit from a more robust anti-tumor immune response, potentially leading to improved survival rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective breast cancer treatments that enhance the body's immune response against tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with similar approaches using nanoparticles and immune modulation in cancer therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ming, Xin — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ming, Xin
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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.