Engaging AI/AN communities in cancer genome sequencing to improve screening and care
Official title: Engagement of American Indians of Southwestern Tribal Nations in Cancer Genome Sequencing
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11412634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A nationwide project partners with American Indian and Alaska Native communities to study cancer genomes in people like them, aiming to improve cancer screening, prevention, and treatment.
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 start | September 2, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,391,119 |
| NIH project number | 5U2CCA252973-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412634 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
AI/AN individuals with cancer or at risk, who are willing to participate in genomic sequencing and related engagement activities.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not directly benefit from the genomic findings or tailored interventions.
What this research studies
This project will work with AI/AN communities to engage participants respectfully, collect cancer genome data, and analyze both germline and tumor mutations. Researchers will compare AI/AN cancer genomes with broader datasets to identify unique mutation patterns and signatures. The goal is to translate genomic insights into better screening, prevention, and targeted therapies for AI/AN populations. The study emphasizes community involvement, ethical engagement, and culturally appropriate approaches throughout the sequencing effort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to earlier cancer detection, personalized prevention strategies, and more effective treatments for AI/AN patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous cancer-genome studies underrepresented AI/AN populations; this project aims to fill gaps and build on prior sequencing efforts with targeted engagement.
Where this research is happening
-
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.