Understanding tumor differences in triple negative breast cancer to predict patient outcomes
Official title: Quantitative characterization of tumor heterogeneity using habitat imaging for the prediction of patient outcome in triple negative breast cancer
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10947543 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different areas within tumors in patients with triple negative breast cancer can affect their response to new treatments, and it aims to use special imaging techniques to help doctors predict which patients might benefit the most from these therapies, making treatment more effective and less stressful.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $101,458 |
| NIH project number | 1K99CA293004-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947543 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer who are preparing to start treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-triple negative breast cancer or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on using advanced imaging techniques to analyze the diverse environments within tumors in patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). By employing a method called habitat imaging, the study aims to identify distinct tumor subregions that may influence how well patients respond to treatments, particularly new immunotherapies. The goal is to develop a noninvasive way to predict which patients are more likely to benefit from specific therapies, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing unnecessary side effects. Patients will undergo multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to gather detailed information about their tumors before treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized treatment plans for patients with triple negative breast cancer, improving their chances of successful outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to characterize tumor environments, suggesting that this approach could be effective in predicting treatment responses.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kazerouni, Anum Syed — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Kazerouni, Anum Syed
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.
-
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.