Using bone marrow biomarkers to predict recurrence in triple negative breast cancer

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific biomarkers in the bone marrow of patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) can help predict the likelihood of cancer recurrence. The study focuses on disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) and the immune environment in the bone marrow, which may influence treatment resistance and metastatic potential. By analyzing bone marrow specimens from TNBC patients, the researchers aim to identify gene expression patterns that indicate which patients might benefit from immunotherapy. The goal is to improve treatment strategies and outcomes for patients at risk of recurrence.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Washington University
  Saint Louis, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Aft, Rebecca L. — Washington University
• Study coordinator: Aft, Rebecca L.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Bone marrow immune and tumor markers to spot recurrence risk in triple-negative breast cancer

  This project is testing whether tumor cells and immune cell patterns in the bone marrow can show which people with triple-negative breast cancer are most likely to have the cancer come back and who might benefit from immunotherapy.

  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11160617

• Using mitochondrial DNA to improve early detection and predict recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer in African American women

  This study is looking at how tiny pieces of DNA from your cells can help find triple-negative breast cancer earlier and predict if it might come back, especially for African American women, so that doctors can offer better screenings and personalized treatments.

  NIH research University of South Alabama · Mobile, United States · NIH-11138445

• 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.

  NIH research Tuskegee University · Tuskegee Institute, United States · NIH-11621786

• 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.

  NIH research Baltimore VA Medical Center · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11608792

• 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.

  NIH research University of Louisville · Louisville, United States · NIH-11567535

• Gene expression marks high risk for very late breast cancer return

  A patient-focused study aims to find gene patterns that identify women with early breast cancer who are most likely to have cancer come back more than a decade later.

  NIH research University of Vermont & St Agric College · Burlington, United States · NIH-11535236

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.