NIH-funded research Career grant

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.

More Breast Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2021
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$162,610
NIH project number3K99CA256522-02S1
Project IDNIH-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.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.