Cancer gene sequencing partnership with Southwestern American Indian and Alaska Native communities
Engagement of American Indians of Southwestern Tribal Nations in Cancer Genome Sequencing
This project partners with American Indian and Alaska Native communities to sequence tumor and normal DNA to find genetic changes that could improve screening and treatment for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11191522 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be invited to join through tribal health partners and asked to provide a blood sample and, when available, tumor tissue. The research team will sequence both your normal and tumor DNA to find inherited risks, tumor-specific mutations, and mutation patterns linked to environmental exposures. Investigators will work closely with tribal leaders and community members to ensure culturally respectful engagement, data protection, and return of relevant findings. The goal is to translate discoveries into better cancer screening, prevention, and targeted therapies for your community.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are American Indian or Alaska Native adults with a cancer diagnosis who are willing to provide blood and tumor samples and to participate through their tribal health partners.
Not a fit: People without AI/AN ancestry or those without cancer are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this sequencing-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal cancer-related genetic changes common in AI/AN people and lead to improved screening, prevention, and precision treatments for those communities.
How similar studies have performed: Large efforts like The Cancer Genome Atlas have successfully identified important cancer mutations and influenced treatments, but AI/AN groups were very underrepresented, so applying genomic sequencing to these communities is promising but not yet well established.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Willman, Cheryl Lynn — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Willman, Cheryl Lynn
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.