Why some breast cancers respond to paclitaxel and others don't
Mechanisms of paclitaxel sensitivity and resistance
This project looks for tumor markers and new ways to make paclitaxel work better for people with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324313 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how paclitaxel causes abnormal multipolar divisions in breast tumor cells and how some tumors correct those errors to survive. They will analyze patient tumor samples and laboratory models to measure chromosomal instability and find biomarkers that predict when paclitaxel will push tumors past a lethal instability threshold. The team will also test laboratory strategies to sensitize resistant tumors so paclitaxel becomes more effective. The goal is to develop tests and combination approaches that could guide more personalized use of paclitaxel in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with breast cancer being considered for paclitaxel treatment or those with tumors that have not responded who can provide tumor tissue or enroll in biomarker testing.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers not treated with paclitaxel or who cannot provide tumor samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors predict who will benefit from paclitaxel and increase the number of patients who respond by overcoming resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and biomarker studies have linked chromosomal instability to paclitaxel response, but applying this mechanism to guide personalized paclitaxel therapy is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weaver, Beth a — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Weaver, Beth a
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.