Investigating cancer disparities in Black patients through genetics and environmental factors
Official title: SAMBAI: Societal, Ancestry and Molecular Biology Analyses of Inequalities
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11047413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some cancers, like breast and prostate cancer, are more aggressive and happen earlier in Black patients in West Africa, and it aims to gather important information to help improve cancer care for these communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $145,921 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA297580-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black patients with a history of breast, prostate, or pancreatic cancers, particularly those from West African backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of the specified cancers or are not from the targeted demographic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why certain cancers, such as breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, are more aggressive and occur earlier in Black patients, particularly in West Africa. The team will analyze genetic, environmental, and social factors that contribute to these disparities, using advanced genomic techniques and community partnerships. By creating the SAMBAI Biobank and Data Repository, they aim to gather comprehensive data that will 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 enhancing health equity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer disparities through genetic and environmental analyses, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elemento, Olivier — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Elemento, Olivier
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.