Using nanoparticles to improve breast cancer treatment

Nanoparticles-mediated combination therapy for breast cancer

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11066485

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11066485 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, particularly those who have experienced drug resistance to standard chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those who do not have metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Pittsburgh, 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 Anti-Cancer Agentsanti-cancer drug
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.