Using targeted nanocarriers to improve treatment for metastatic breast cancer

Translational Combinations of Nanocarriers and Blockers for Metastatic Breast Cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · NIH-11052550

This study is testing a new way to treat metastatic breast cancer by using tiny carriers to deliver special drugs right to the immune cells in tumors, hoping to help more patients, especially those with triple-negative breast cancer, respond better to existing treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHAMPAIGN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11052550 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new therapy for metastatic breast cancer by using targeted nanocarriers to deliver immunostimulatory drugs directly to immune cells within tumors. The approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing immune checkpoint blockade therapies, which currently only benefit a small percentage of patients. By minimizing side effects and improving drug delivery specifically to tumor-associated macrophages, the research seeks to increase the response rates in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The methodology involves using mouse models to test the efficacy of these targeted therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who have not responded well to current therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with non-metastatic breast cancer or those whose tumors do not express PD-L1 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer by increasing the effectiveness of immunotherapy while reducing side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using targeted delivery systems for cancer therapies, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

CHAMPAIGN, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer immunotherapy, anti-cancer therapy, anticancer immunotherapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.