Understanding differences in breast cancer outcomes for African American women

Subclonal heterogeneity and outcome disparities in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer among African Americans

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11074040

This study is looking into why African American women are more likely to die from Triple-Negative Breast Cancer than Caucasian women, by examining the differences in their tumors to find better treatment options just for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11074040 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates why African American women experience higher mortality rates from Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) compared to Caucasian women. It focuses on the biological differences in tumor characteristics, particularly looking at genetic mutations and subclonal heterogeneity, which may contribute to poorer treatment responses and survival rates. By analyzing tumor samples and gene expression profiles, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that lead to these disparities. The findings could help tailor more effective treatments for African American women with TNBC.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American women diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have Triple-Negative Breast Cancer or are not African American women may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and outcomes for African American women diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated significant biological differences in breast cancer outcomes among different racial groups, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions aggressive breast cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.