Using phages to deliver genes for treating aggressive breast cancer
Official title: Phage-based therapeutic gene delivery targeting multiple compartments in solid tumors
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10986635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for triple-negative breast cancer using special viruses that can deliver helpful genes directly to the tumor, with the hope of making the treatment work better and improving outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $403,686 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA283355-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986635 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 have limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other subtypes of breast cancer or those who do not have a diagnosis of breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer with limited treatment options. The approach involves using bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically target bacteria, to deliver therapeutic genes directly to the tumor cells. By targeting the tumor microenvironment and the immune cells within it, the research aims to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and potentially improve patient outcomes. The study will explore how these phage-based therapies can overcome the challenges posed by the tumor's immune evasion mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of phage-based therapies is a novel approach in this context, similar strategies have shown promise in other areas of cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pasqualini, Renata — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Pasqualini, Renata
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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.