Using mitochondrial DNA to improve early detection and predict recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer in African American women
Official title: Mitochondrial DNA in extracellular vesicles for early detection and recurrence prediction in triple negative breast cancer racial disparity
Funded at University of South Alabama · NIH-11138445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Alabama NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mobile, United States) |
| Project start | July 13, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MD019400-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have triple-negative breast cancer or are not of African American descent may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mitochondrial DNA found in extracellular vesicles to enhance early detection and predict recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), particularly focusing on the disparities faced by African American women. The study aims to identify specific mitochondrial genetic alterations that may contribute to the higher rates of recurrence and metastasis in this population. By analyzing blood samples for these biomarkers, the research seeks to develop a non-invasive method for monitoring cancer progression. Patients may benefit from improved screening and personalized treatment strategies based on their mitochondrial DNA profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better management of triple-negative breast cancer in African American women, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mitochondrial DNA as biomarkers in cancer detection, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Alabama
Mobile, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dasgupta, Santanu — University of South Alabama
- Study coordinator: Dasgupta, Santanu
Related research
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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.
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Using bone marrow biomarkers to predict recurrence in triple negative breast cancer
This study is looking at how certain markers in the bone marrow of people with triple negative breast cancer can help doctors understand who might face a higher chance of their cancer coming back, so they can find better treatments for those patients.
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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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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.
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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.