Investigating breast cancer treatments for Black and African American populations
Official title: Pilot Research Project: Evaluating Black and African American Breast Cancer Populations for Therapeutic Targeting of Aberrant p53, MDM2, MDMX, and PARP signaling
Funded at Hunter College · NIH-10931654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what makes aggressive triple negative breast cancer more common in Black and African American people, with the goal of finding new ways to treat it better and helping patients understand their options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hunter College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $65,537 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA221704-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931654 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black and African American individuals diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have breast cancer or belong to populations outside of the Black and African American communities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the unique biological factors that contribute to aggressive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in Black and African American individuals. By analyzing existing breast cancer samples from this population, the project aims to identify specific biomarkers that could lead to more effective targeted therapies. The research team, consisting of scientists from Hunter College and Temple University Fox Chase Cancer Center, will also work to educate the community about these biomarkers, empowering patients to engage in their treatment decisions. Additionally, the project includes mentoring opportunities for underrepresented students in the field of cancer research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for Black and African American patients with breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research specifically targeting this population, similar studies have shown promise in identifying effective treatments based on specific biomarkers.
Where this research is happening
-
Hunter College
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bargonetti, Jill E. — Hunter College
- Study coordinator: Bargonetti, Jill E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
-
Translational breast cancer research to improve treatment options
A comprehensive program at Baylor College of Medicine is focusing on breast cancer; researchers will advance targeted therapies and biomarkers to help patients with aggressive or hard-to-treat forms.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
-
Gut bacteria and metabolites linked to breast density and cancer risk
A small, patient-friendly study will explore whether gut bacteria and their byproducts are connected to high breast density, which can raise cancer risk and make screening less accurate.
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.