Investigating how healthy breast tissue may reveal ancestry-related factors in breast cancer disparities
Official title: Assessing healthy breast tissue for evidence of ancestry-dependent molecular contributions to TNBC disparities
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-10649103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breast cancer outcomes, especially for triple-negative breast cancer, can differ among people from different backgrounds by examining certain tiny molecules in healthy breast tissue, which could help us understand why some groups may face tougher challenges with this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $413,815 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA280575-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10649103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of breast cancer, particularly those of African American descent, who may be at higher risk for TNBC.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of breast cancer or those who are not of African American descent may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the differences in breast cancer outcomes among individuals of various ancestries, particularly focusing on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). By analyzing healthy breast tissue, the study aims to uncover how specific RNA molecules contribute to these disparities. The researchers will examine three types of short RNAs—miRNAs, tRFs, and rRFs—to understand their roles in gene expression and how they may predispose certain ancestries to more aggressive forms of breast cancer. This approach could provide insights into the biological factors that influence cancer severity and survival rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for breast cancer that are tailored to different ancestral backgrounds.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer disparities through molecular analysis, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rigoutsos, Isidore — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Rigoutsos, Isidore
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.