Using patient-derived breast tumor models to find better treatments
PDX Trial Center for Breast Cancer Therapy
This Center grows patients' breast tumors in mice and lab organoid models to test drug combinations that might help people with early-stage, recurrent, or metastatic breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177942 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers collect tumor samples and keep them as patient-derived xenografts (tumors grown in mice) and organoids (mini-tumors grown in the lab). They use a large library of over 260 PDX models and more than 100 organoid lines that represent primary, metastatic, and treatment-resistant breast cancers. The team tests many drugs and drug combinations across models that reflect different molecular features and patient backgrounds, including efforts to increase representation of racial and ethnic minorities. The work focuses on preventing recurrence in triple-negative breast cancer and finding better options for recurrent or metastatic disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients most relevant to this effort include people with triple-negative breast cancer and those with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer whose tumors share molecular features studied in the models.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer or those whose tumor types or molecular profiles are not represented in the model collection are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this center's preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug combinations matched to tumor biology that lead to better, more durable treatments and fewer breast cancer recurrences.
How similar studies have performed: Using patient-derived xenografts and organoids to test therapies is an established preclinical approach, though translating those lab results into successful patient treatments has been promising in some cases and remains challenging overall.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Welm, Alana L. — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Welm, Alana L.
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 below.