Why triple-negative breast cancer acts differently in African American women
Subclonal heterogeneity and outcome disparities in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer among African Americans
Researchers are looking at differences inside tumors to understand why African American women with triple-negative breast cancer often have worse treatment outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11296922 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies tumor samples and clinical records to find biological differences in triple-negative breast cancer between African American and White women. The team compares DNA changes, gene activity, and the mix of cancer cell subgroups within tumors to measure subclonal heterogeneity and DNA repair defects. They link these molecular findings to treatment responses and survival to see which features drive poorer outcomes. Results are intended to point to ways to predict who may not respond to standard therapy and to suggest targets for better treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: African American women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, especially those willing to share tumor tissue and treatment records, would be the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People without triple-negative breast cancer or those not willing to provide tumor samples and medical records are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors predict which patients are less likely to respond to current therapies and lead to more effective, tailored treatments for African American women with TNBC.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genomic studies have found racial differences in TNBC and linked tumor subclonal diversity to worse outcomes, but applying these approaches specifically to explain outcome gaps in African American women is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ellisen, Leif W — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ellisen, Leif W
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 below.