Understanding how immunosuppression affects breast cancer in Hispanic/Latino patients
Official title: The role of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment in Hispanic/Latino patients with breast cancer
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10879651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how biological differences might affect breast cancer treatment outcomes for Hispanic and Latino patients, using blood and tissue samples to better understand their unique responses to therapy, with the goal of improving treatment options for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $375,635 |
| NIH project number | 1P20CA290458-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10879651 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Hispanic/Latino patients diagnosed with breast cancer who are 21 years or older.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Hispanic/Latino or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological factors that contribute to disparities in breast cancer outcomes among Hispanic/Latino patients. By analyzing blood samples and breast tissue, the study aims to understand how the tumor microenvironment affects immune responses to treatment. The project combines demographic and clinical data with advanced multi-omics techniques to uncover the mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy. This research seeks to improve the representation of minority groups in clinical trials and enhance treatment strategies tailored to their unique biological responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for Hispanic/Latino patients with breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in addressing disparities in cancer treatment through targeted studies, but this specific focus on Hispanic/Latino patients and immunosuppression is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roussos Torres, Evanthia Theodosiou — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Roussos Torres, Evanthia Theodosiou
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Combined targeting of DNA repair and macrophage immunosuppression in BRCA-associated breast cancer
A study for people with BRCA-related breast cancer exploring a combination treatment that blocks DNA repair and tampers down immune-suppressing cells to help the body's immune response fight the cancer.
-
Stress-related hormonal signals and immune response in a specific breast cancer type
A study in triple-negative breast cancer looks at how stress hormones may weaken the body's immune attack and whether blocking those signals could improve cancer treatment.
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Investigating how stress affects the immune response in aggressive breast cancer.
This study is looking at how stress affects the immune system's ability to fight triple negative breast cancer and hopes to find ways, like using certain medications, to make treatments work better for patients dealing with this type of cancer.
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Why some breast cancers in Hispanic/Latino people block the immune system
This project looks at how breast tumors in Hispanic/Latino adults block immune responses by analyzing blood and tumor samples to find clues that might guide treatment.
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How the immune environment affects breast cancer in Hispanic/Latino people
This project looks at how immune-suppressing cells and signals in tumors differ in Hispanic/Latino adults with breast cancer to help guide better treatments.
-
Immune suppression and social factors in breast cancer
This project looks at how immune-suppressing cells in breast tumors and patients' social conditions relate to outcomes for people with breast cancer.
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.