Investigating how tumor-immune interactions affect brain metastases in triple-negative breast cancer
Official title: Do Tumor-Immune Interactions Prime Systemic Tolerance of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Brain Metastases?
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10735596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how triple-negative breast cancer that has spread to the brain interacts with the immune system, especially in women of African ancestry, to find out what makes the cancer spread and how it affects patients' outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $162,610 |
| NIH project number | 3K99CA256522-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10735596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those who have developed brain metastases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-triple-negative breast cancer or those without brain metastases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the complex interactions between tumors and the immune system in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) that has spread to the brain. By employing systems biology approaches, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that drive metastasis and contribute to cancer disparities, particularly among women of African ancestry. The research will analyze the immune environment in TNBC brain metastases to identify factors that influence metastatic potential and patient outcomes. This comprehensive approach includes a mentoring and career development plan for the principal investigator to ensure the research is conducted effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with triple-negative breast cancer and brain metastases, potentially enhancing survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on primary TNBC, the specific focus on tumor-immune interactions in brain metastases is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Umeh Garcia, Maxine Chidinma — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Umeh Garcia, Maxine Chidinma
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how brain metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer is shaped by tumor-immune interactions
A patient-focused program aims to learn why TNBC spreads to the brain and how the immune system interacts with those cancer cells, with a focus on women of African ancestry.
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How immune responses affect triple-negative breast cancer spreading to the brain
This work looks at how interactions between tumors and the immune system may let triple-negative breast cancer spread to the brain, with attention to differences seen in women of African ancestry.
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Investigating how tumor-immune interactions affect brain metastases in triple-negative breast cancer.
This study is looking at how tumors and the immune system work together in women with triple-negative breast cancer that has spread to the brain, especially focusing on those of African ancestry, to find new ways to improve treatment and outcomes.
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
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Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
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Linking heavy metal exposure to a tougher breast cancer type (TNBC)
Aimed at understanding how heavy metals like cadmium might trigger a dangerous breast cancer type (TNBC) in people, especially those with BRCA1 risk, to identify possible future treatment strategies.
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.