Using tuberculosis toxins to treat breast cancer
Repurposing Mycobacterium tuberculosis tRNase toxins for cancer chemotherapy
This study is exploring how special toxins from the tuberculosis bacteria might help treat triple-negative breast cancer by targeting the cancer cells in a unique way, potentially leading to better treatment options 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 ID | NIH-10532244 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of specialized toxins from the tuberculosis bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, to treat breast cancer, particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The approach focuses on the unique ability of these toxins to selectively target and disable specific tRNA molecules that are crucial for cancer cell survival and proliferation. By leveraging the high specificity of these toxins, the research aims to develop innovative cancer therapies that could be more effective than existing treatments. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that are tailored to the unique characteristics of their tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer or other forms of breast cancer that may respond to this novel treatment approach.
Not a fit: Patients with non-breast cancers or those whose tumors do not express the specific tRNA targets may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted therapies for patients with breast cancer, particularly those with treatment-resistant forms.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of microbial toxins in cancer therapy is an emerging field, this specific approach utilizing Mycobacterium tuberculosis toxins is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woychik, Nancy Ann — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Woychik, Nancy Ann
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.