Using PET imaging to understand glutamine metabolism in triple-negative breast cancer
Official title: PET Imaging of Glutamine Metabolism and Glutamate Transport to Guide Metabolically Targeted Therapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11082216 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called glutamine affects triple-negative breast cancer to find better ways to treat it, using special imaging to see how much glutamine is in the cancer cells and helping doctors choose the best therapies for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 19, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $522,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266285-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082216 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer who may be resistant to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-triple-negative breast cancer or those who are not eligible for metabolic-targeted therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how glutamine metabolism affects triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and aims to improve treatment strategies. By utilizing PET imaging, the study will measure the levels of glutamine and glutamate in cancer cells, which are crucial for their growth and survival. The researchers will develop new imaging markers to better select patients for therapies targeting glutaminolysis, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments. The approach combines advanced imaging techniques with metabolic insights to guide personalized therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with triple-negative breast cancer by identifying those who would benefit most from specific therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mankoff, David a. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Mankoff, David a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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PET scans to track glutamine use in triple-negative breast cancer
This project uses special PET scans with an amino-acid tracer to see how triple-negative breast cancers use glutamine so doctors can better match metabolism-targeted treatments to patients.
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Improving Targeted Therapy for Triple Negative Breast Cancer
This project aims to develop a new way to deliver targeted medicines directly to triple-negative breast cancer tumors using special RNA molecules.
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Targeted therapy for triple-negative breast cancer using antibody-drug conjugates
This study is working on new treatments for triple-negative breast cancer that aim to target cancer cells directly while being kinder to healthy cells, so patients can have better outcomes with fewer side effects.
-
New treatment approach for triple negative breast cancer using targeted siRNA delivery
This study is testing a new way to deliver a special treatment directly to tumors in patients with triple negative breast cancer, making it easier for the medicine to reach the cancer and potentially improve how well it works.
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Targeted therapy for aggressive breast cancer
This study is testing a new treatment for triple-negative breast cancer that uses tiny particles to deliver medicine directly to cancer cells, helping to stop them from spreading and improving how well the treatment works.
-
Using nanotechnology to target therapy for triple negative breast cancer
This study is exploring new ways to treat triple negative breast cancer using tiny particles to deliver special molecules that can help stop cancer cells from growing, aiming to create better treatment options that work specifically for this type of cancer and have fewer side effects.
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.