Development of Novel Therapies and Biomarkers for Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patients
UNC Breast SPORE Research Project 3
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogenous clinical group that shows significant variation based upon histology, gene expression patterns, response to therapy, and even for patient survival outcomes.
We are developing and testing new combination therapies in the lab that look promising for TNBC, and that will be guided by biomarker-based patient selection. Specifically, we evaluate drug treatments including immunotherapy such as anti-PD1 and CD40LG agonist antibody to boost B cell and/or dendritic cell function, and combinations containing drugs that inhibit macrophage function.
Lastly, we have identified a unique metabolic vulnerability in TNBC, namely dependence upon pyrimidine biosynthesis, that may be a future therapeutic target.
Project Aims
Aim 1
Evaluation of novel immune therapy combinations for triple negative breast cancer.
Aim 2
Targeting triple negative breast cancer metabolism as a therapeutic strategy.