Creating new cancer models to improve treatment for diverse populations
United for Health Equity - Living PDX Program (U4HELPP)
This study is working to create special cancer models from patients, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to better understand how different genes affect treatment for advanced breast and pancreatic cancers, with the goal of finding more effective therapies for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10890845 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The United for Health Equity - Living PDX Program (U4HELPP) aims to develop over 500 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from various advanced cancers, including breast and pancreatic cancers. This initiative focuses on including more than 60% of patients from underrepresented populations, ensuring diverse genetic backgrounds are represented. Tumors will be extracted and processed to create these models, which will then undergo genomic characterization to understand how ancestry affects treatment responses. The research will specifically target improving therapeutic strategies for both pancreatic and breast cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are individuals diagnosed with advanced cancers, particularly those from underrepresented populations.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those not belonging to the targeted demographic may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized cancer treatments for diverse patient populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in developing patient-derived xenograft models, particularly in enhancing understanding of cancer biology and treatment responses.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trevino, Jose G. — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Trevino, Jose G.
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.