Using gene expression to identify patients at high risk for late breast cancer recurrence
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11421472 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying breast cancer patients to find gene patterns that predict who might have cancer come back many years later, so doctors can tailor care for those at highest risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $325,036 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA286069-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421472 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are women with ER-positive, non-metastatic breast cancer who have survived at least 10 years after initial diagnosis, across both premenopausal and postmenopausal groups.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who remain recurrence-free beyond 10 years may not directly benefit from the biomarker development.
What this research studies
This project focuses on women with non-metastatic, ER-positive breast cancer who have already survived 10 years after initial treatment. By analyzing large groups of samples from premenopausal and postmenopausal patients, the team will look for gene expression patterns associated with late distant recurrence (more than 10 years after diagnosis). They will compare those who experience late recurrence to those who remain recurrence-free, matching on follow-up time, menopausal status, age, stage, and calendar year. The study uses an ensemble of methods to identify robust gene signatures that could guide future preventive strategies. Participants will contribute tissue samples and long-term follow-up data to help improve risk prediction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a prognostic biomarker that identifies high-risk patients who might benefit from targeted preventive therapies or closer monitoring.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies of late recurrence biomarkers have shown promise, but this project aims to validate and extend findings with larger, long-term follow-up and diverse patient groups.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahern, Thomas Patrick — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Ahern, Thomas Patrick
Related research
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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.