Tumor matrix and triple‑negative breast cancer in Black patients
Evaluation of a triple negative matrix signature in tumor progression and resistance
This work will use tumor samples and 3‑D lab models to find how the material around cancer cells affects triple‑negative breast cancer in Black patients and how it changes after chemotherapy.
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-11304492 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will compare the extracellular matrix (the material surrounding tumor cells) from triple‑negative breast tumors collected before and after chemotherapy, focusing on samples from Black patients. They will recreate those matrices in 3‑D lab models to see how cancer cells grow, move, and resist drugs. The team will run drug-response screens in these 3‑D models and use mouse models to confirm key findings. The goal is to identify specific matrix proteins that drive recurrence or treatment resistance so future therapies can target them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with triple‑negative (basal) breast cancer — especially Black/African American patients who can provide tumor tissue before and/or after chemotherapy — would be most relevant for this work.
Not a fit: People without triple‑negative breast cancer or those who cannot or do not want to provide tumor tissue are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new treatment targets in the tumor matrix that reduce recurrence and improve how therapies work for Black patients with triple‑negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Lab studies using 3‑D models and extracellular matrix approaches have shown promising results in understanding cancer behavior, but applying these methods specifically to triple‑negative tumors from Black patients is a newer, less-tested direction.
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.