Understanding why Black women are more likely to develop lymphedema after breast cancer treatment
Official title: Mechanisms of racial disparity in breast cancer-related lymphedema
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11010772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why Black women are more likely to develop lymphedema after breast cancer treatment, and it will follow women who have had surgery to remove lymph nodes to find out what factors might increase this risk, with the hope of improving prevention and treatment options for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $661,096 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278599-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black women who have undergone axillary lymph node dissection as part of breast cancer treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or who have not undergone axillary lymph node dissection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular mechanisms that contribute to the higher risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) in Black women. By following a group of women who have undergone axillary lymph node dissection, the study aims to identify specific risk factors and biological processes that lead to this condition. The research involves measuring arm swelling and other clinical assessments over a two-year period to gather data on the prevalence and severity of BCRL. The ultimate goal is to uncover insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies and preventive measures for lymphedema, enhancing the quality of life for Black women at risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown a significant increased risk of BCRL in Black women, indicating that this research builds on established findings but seeks to explore new cellular mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehrara, Babak J — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Mehrara, Babak J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Bioengineered lymphatic healing platform for breast cancer-related lymphedema
A new brainy hydrogel-based approach aims to help people who develop lymphedema after breast cancer by guiding and regenerating lymphatic vessels.
-
Why Black women have higher risk of arm swelling after breast cancer surgery
This project looks for cellular reasons why Black women are more likely to develop long-term arm swelling after lymph node removal for breast cancer.
-
A new treatment platform for breast cancer-related lymphedema
This study is testing a new gel treatment for breast cancer survivors who have lymphedema, aiming to help them feel better by improving lymphatic drainage and reducing symptoms in a less invasive way.
-
Exploring lymphedema symptoms and lifestyle in breast cancer survivors who are nurses
This study is looking at how breast cancer-related lymphedema affects nurses who have survived breast cancer, focusing on their symptoms and daily challenges, to better understand their needs and improve support for them.
-
Improving Breast Cancer Guideline Adherence in Nigeria
Aimed at helping doctors in Nigeria follow international guideline-based breast cancer care to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer.
-
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.
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.