Investigating cancer disparities in Black patients through genetic and environmental analysis
Official title: CANCER GRAND CHALLENGES 2024 SOCIETAL, ANCESTRY, MOLECULAR AND BIOLOGICAL ANALYSES OF INEQUALITIES (SAMBAI) Morehouse School of Medicine
Funded at Morehouse School of Medicine · NIH-11047112 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancers tend to be more aggressive and happen earlier in Black patients, especially those from West Africa, and it aims to find ways to improve cancer care for these communities by exploring genetic, environmental, and social factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Morehouse School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $613,542 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA297574-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047112 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black patients diagnosed with prostate, breast, or pancreatic cancers, particularly those with a family history of these diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or who have different cancer types may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancers are more aggressive and occur earlier in Black patients, particularly those from West Africa. The team will analyze genetic, environmental, and social factors that contribute to these disparities, utilizing advanced genomic techniques and creating a biobank for cancer equity research. By collaborating with scientists from the US, Africa, and the UK, the project aims to gather comprehensive data that can help identify the causes of these inequalities and improve cancer outcomes for underserved populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of aggressive cancers in Black patients, ultimately reducing health disparities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in addressing cancer disparities through genetic and environmental analyses, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
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.