Understanding why Triple Negative Breast Cancer is more aggressive in African American women

Unravel the novel role of S100A7 and its functional partners in Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer Racial Disparity

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11109627

This project looks into why triple-negative breast cancer is often more aggressive and spreads faster in African American women.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11109627 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is particularly challenging for African American women, who face higher mortality rates. This work aims to understand why the cancer is more aggressive and spreads more easily in this group. Researchers are focusing on a protein called S100A7 and how it interacts with the body's immune system within the tumor. They believe this interaction creates an environment where the cancer can thrive and spread, making it harder for the immune system to fight back. Early findings suggest that blocking S100A7 with a special antibody could help slow down tumor growth and spread.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for African American women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, especially those whose cancer has spread.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of breast cancer or those without triple-negative breast cancer may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that specifically target the aggressive forms of triple-negative breast cancer seen in African American women.

How similar studies have performed: Initial findings from this lab show that targeting the S100A7 protein with a neutralizing antibody can inhibit TNBC growth and metastasis in preclinical models.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, 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 Breast CancerBreast Cancer CellBreast Cancer PatientBreast Cancer cell line
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.