HER2 in breast cancer among diverse communities
Official title: Her2 status of breast cancer in diverse populations: improving genetic prediction and understanding molecular correlates
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11512975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at genetic and molecular factors linked to HER2-positive breast cancer in women from Hispanic/Latina, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Indigenous American, African, and other diverse backgrounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $57,915 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA273313-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11512975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with breast cancer—particularly those who are Hispanic/Latina, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Indigenous American, or of African ancestry—who can provide tumor tissue or genetic information are the ideal participants.
✕Less likely to help
People without breast cancer, or whose tumors and ancestry groups are not included in the study, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
If you have breast cancer, researchers will compare tumor characteristics and inherited genetics across women from diverse racial and ethnic groups to understand why HER2-positive tumors are more common in some communities. The team will analyze tumor samples, molecular markers, and genetic ancestry using existing datasets plus new samples collected at UC Davis and partner sites. Their approach mixes lab-based molecular testing with population genetics and clinical information to find germline and tumor correlates of HER2 status. The goal is to build prediction tools and identify molecular patterns that better reflect non-European populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve prediction of HER2-positive tumors and help ensure more equitable access to HER2-targeted therapies for diverse patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have reported higher HER2+ rates in Hispanic/Latina and Asian groups and preliminary data support ancestry links, but comprehensive genetic predictors in diverse populations remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fejerman, Laura — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Fejerman, Laura
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding HER2-positive breast cancer in diverse communities
This project looks at genetic and tumor features that may explain why HER2-positive breast cancer is more common in Hispanic/Latina, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, and other diverse groups.
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This study is looking at how genetics and other factors affect HER2-positive breast cancer in Hispanic/Latina and Asian American women, with the goal of better understanding cancer risks and treatment results, and it invites patients to share their genetic samples and health information to help improve care for everyon
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
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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.