Using probiotics to target hypoxic areas in breast cancer
Official title: Hypoxia-activated probiotic agents for breast cancer
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11066450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat advanced triple-negative breast cancer by using special probiotics that can deliver helpful proteins directly to the parts of the tumor that don't get enough oxygen, with the hope of making treatment more effective for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $328,114 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272564-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066450 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced or triple-negative breast cancer who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those whose cancer is not triple-negative may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treat advanced breast cancer by utilizing probiotics that can specifically target hypoxic regions within tumors. The study focuses on developing a hypoxia-inducible expression system in E. coli G3/10 cells, which are designed to deliver cancer-fighting proteins directly to areas of the tumor that are low in oxygen. By optimizing this system, the researchers aim to enhance the effectiveness of treatment for triple-negative breast cancer, which currently has limited options. The methodology involves testing this probiotic-assisted approach in animal models to assess its potential in improving cancer therapy outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with advanced breast cancer, particularly those with triple-negative variants.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of probiotics in cancer treatment is an emerging field, this specific approach targeting hypoxic tumor regions is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yamada, Tohru — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Yamada, Tohru
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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.