Using nanoparticles to improve breast cancer treatment
Official title: Nanoparticles-mediated combination therapy for breast cancer
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11066485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for metastatic breast cancer that uses tiny particles to deliver a mix of chemotherapy and genetic material to help make the drugs work better and boost the immune system, aiming to give patients a more effective option against their cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $501,746 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278608-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, particularly those who have experienced drug resistance to standard chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those who do not have metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new therapy for metastatic breast cancer by using nanoparticles to deliver a combination of chemotherapy and genetic material that targets a specific protein involved in drug resistance. The approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing chemotherapy drugs while also improving the immune response against tumors. By targeting the iRhom1 protein, which is overexpressed in breast cancer, the researchers hope to reduce tumor growth and overcome challenges associated with current treatments. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment option that addresses both drug resistance and immune response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for metastatic breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using targeted therapies and nanoparticles for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could be a viable option.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Song — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Li, Song
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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.