Racial differences in breast cancer: genetics and lifestyle factors in AA, AZ, and EA women
Official title: Racial disparities in breast cancer risk and gene expression-roles of genetics and lifestyle factors
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11421860 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how genetics and lifestyle influence breast cancer differences among African American, African Zambian, and European American women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $68,230 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA293127-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421860 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are African Zambian women with pathologically confirmed breast cancer who are able to provide tumor tissue, clinical data, and lifestyle information.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not matching the study population (e.g., non-African Zambian or European American women) may have limited direct benefit from these specific comparisons.
What this research studies
Researchers will enroll 250 African Zambian women with breast cancer, collect lifestyle and clinical data, and analyze tumor RNA to compare with existing US data. By combining diverse populations, the study aims to separate genetic influences from environmental factors that shape tumor biology. The project uses tumor tissue and patient information to understand why disparities in breast cancer outcomes exist and how molecular profiles differ by race and environment. Findings could inform more personalized approaches to prevention and treatment for historically underserved groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more tailored prevention and treatment strategies for African American and African Zambian women.
How similar studies have gone: Similar studies have advanced understanding of racial disparities, but this project uniquely combines AZ, AA, and EA groups with RNA-Seq to disentangle genetic and lifestyle contributions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ping, Jie — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ping, Jie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Racial differences in breast cancer: how genetics and lifestyle affect tumors
A small, patient-focused study will look at how genes and everyday factors influence breast cancer in African American and African Zambian women.
-
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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.
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.