How West African ancestry may shape the immune response in triple-negative breast cancer
The DARC side of Breast Cancer Disparities - African Ancestry and Cancer- Related Immune Response
['FUNDING_R01'] · MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11398719
This project looks at whether West African genetic ancestry changes immune responses in people with triple-negative breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11398719 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, you may be asked to provide tumor tissue, blood samples, and medical information so researchers can link ancestry to tumor biology. The team will compare samples from women in Africa, African American, and Afro-Caribbean communities and use integrated multi-omics approaches (gene expression and proteomics) plus immune cell profiling. They will look for ancestry-associated gene and protein patterns and distinct immune cell infiltration in tumors. The goal is to define tumor–immune types that could explain higher TNBC risk and worse outcomes in people with West African ancestry.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with triple-negative breast cancer who have West African, African American, or Afro-Caribbean ancestry and who can provide tumor and/or blood samples and medical records.
Not a fit: People without triple-negative breast cancer, those without the relevant ancestry groups, or those unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to be directly included or to benefit immediately.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could explain why people with West African ancestry face higher triple-negative breast cancer risk and point to biomarkers or immune-targeted treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Epidemiological work has repeatedly shown higher TNBC rates in women with West African ancestry, but linking ancestry-associated gene expression to proteomics and tumor immune profiles is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DAVIS, MELISSA B — MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: DAVIS, MELISSA B
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.