Investigating how tumor-derived exosomes affect immune response and breast cancer in African American women.
Official title: Emerging role of tumor-derived exosomes in immune modulation and breast cancer health disparity.
Funded at University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr · NIH-10895521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles from tumors might affect the immune system in African American women with triple-negative breast cancer, and it hopes to find new ways to treat this type of cancer by checking for certain proteins in their blood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $197,192 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA283524-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895521 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-triple-negative breast cancer or those outside the African American demographic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of tumor-derived exosomes in the immune modulation of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), particularly in African American women who are disproportionately affected by this aggressive cancer subtype. The study aims to explore how these exosomes contribute to the formation of a pre-metastatic niche, which facilitates the spread of cancer to vital organs. By analyzing the levels of specific proteins, such as Annexin A2, in the serum of patients, the researchers hope to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for TNBC. Patients may be involved in providing serum samples to help identify biomarkers associated with disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and better outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of exosomes in cancer progression, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
Fort Worth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaudhary, Pankaj — University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chaudhary, Pankaj
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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.