Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer. Because it lacks hormone and HER2 targets, doctors have far fewer options for tailoring treatment to each patient. Recent research has revealed a potential weakness in TNBC cells—a protein called CIP2A. CIP2A helps cancer cells grow quickly and repair their DNA so they survive. When CIP2A is turned off, TNBC cells—especially those with BRCA mutations—die off efficiently. Our project will determine how CIP2A drives cancer cell growth and DNA repair, how it influences the immune system, and test a new candidate drug molecule that inhibits CIP2A in advanced laboratory models and mice. We will also look for molecular “fingerprints” showing which patients are most likely to benefit from this approach. Our long-term goal is to make future treatments for TNBC more effective, less toxic, and to use what we learn to design similar therapies for other hard-to-treat cancers.

2026

2030