Understanding how genetics affect treatment response in aggressive breast cancer among different racial groups
Official title: Assessing molecular predictors of triple negative breast cancer therapeutic response in Black, White, and Hispanic patients in a community healthcare system
Funded at Jackson Laboratory · NIH-11065533 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different biological factors affect the way Black, White, and Hispanic patients with triple negative breast cancer respond to treatments, so we can find better ways to help everyone get the most benefit from their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 3, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $86,020 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA290133-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065533 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black, White, and Hispanic women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-triple negative breast cancer or those outside the specified racial and ethnic groups may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological factors that influence how different racial and ethnic groups respond to treatment for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), particularly focusing on Black, White, and Hispanic patients. The study aims to identify molecular predictors, such as BRCA1/2 mutations and immune-related gene signatures, that can help determine which patients are more likely to benefit from specific therapies. By analyzing tumor samples and clinical outcomes, the research seeks to improve treatment strategies and outcomes for patients with TNBC. Patients may be asked to provide biospecimens and participate in assessments related to their cancer treatment and response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for patients with triple negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in identifying molecular predictors of treatment response in breast cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Menghi, Francesca — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Menghi, Francesca
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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Dormancy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: How Liver and Skin Metastases Go Quiet or Reactivate
Researchers will study how dormant cancer cells in liver and skin metastases of triple-negative breast cancer become quiescent or wake up, using organ-on-chip models and single-cell analysis to map chromatin states.
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Rac-enhanced CAR-Macrophages against TNBC
A new cell therapy approach uses engineered macrophages with a CAR and Rac2 activation to target and kill triple-negative breast cancer cells expressing CSPG4.
-
A new peptide therapy to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
A new peptide therapy called PEG-FUD is being tested to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer by normalizing the tumor environment to improve treatment delivery.
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.