Improving cancer outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native people
Engagement Optimization
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR · NIH-11191562
This project partners with American Indian and Alaska Native communities to collect genetic and tumor information from people with cancer to find differences that could lead to better screening, prevention, and treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11191562 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I participate, the team will work with my tribe and community leaders to build trust and respectfully collect blood, tumor samples, and health information. They will perform comprehensive genomic sequencing to look for inherited and tumor-specific mutations and mutational signatures that may be unique or more common in AI/AN people. Researchers plan to translate those findings into improved screening, prevention strategies, and more precise treatment options for AI/AN patients. The work emphasizes community engagement, appropriate return of results, and partnerships with local clinics to improve access to care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are American Indian or Alaska Native adults with cancer or AI/AN individuals willing to provide health information and biological samples through community-partnered enrollment.
Not a fit: People who are not American Indian or Alaska Native, those unable to consent or provide samples, or whose cancer types are not included may not receive direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable earlier detection, tailored prevention, and treatments better matched to genetic risks in AI/AN communities.
How similar studies have performed: Genomic sequencing and precision oncology have improved care for other groups, but large-scale genomic studies focused on AI/AN communities are rare, so this approach is relatively novel for these populations.
Where this research is happening
ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR — ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BLAIR, CINDY KAY — UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR
- Study coordinator: BLAIR, CINDY KAY
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.