Investigating how the tumor environment affects triple negative breast cancer in Black patients
Evaluation of a triple negative matrix signature in tumor progression and resistance
This study is looking at how the surroundings of triple negative breast cancer cells affect how they grow and respond to treatment, especially in Black patients, by using special models to mimic tumors and analyzing patient samples before and after chemotherapy to find better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11114803 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the specific environment in which triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells grow influences their behavior and response to treatment, particularly in Black patients. By creating 3D models that mimic the tumor environment, researchers aim to identify key proteins that contribute to tumor growth and resistance to therapy. The study will involve analyzing tumor samples from patients before and after chemotherapy to gain insights into how the tumor environment changes and affects treatment outcomes. This approach could lead to the development of more effective therapies tailored to the unique characteristics of TNBC in African American populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black patients diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer who are undergoing or have undergone chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with other subtypes of breast cancer or those who are not of African American descent may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies specifically designed for triple negative breast cancer in Black patients, potentially improving survival rates and reducing recurrence.
How similar studies have performed: While research on tumor microenvironments is ongoing, this specific focus on the TNBC subtype in Black patients using 3D models is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martin, Elizabeth — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Martin, Elizabeth
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.