# Detection of MRD in TNBC Through Multi-Platform Molecular Biomarker Analysis

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER · 2022 · $121,641

## Abstract

The overarching goal of our research program is to understand the molecular heterogeneity of triple-negative 
breast cancer (TNBC), to identify and validate biomarkers that are both prognostic and predictive, 
and ultimately to optimize treatment for each patient based on the biology of her/his tumor. Towards this 
end, we have recently received funding to conduct a prospective investigator-initiated clinical trial entitled 
Adjuvant Intensification for Minimal Residual Disease in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (AIM-TNBC) that is 
evaluating intensification of adjuvant systemic therapy in TNBC patients with residual disease after 
neoadjuvant systemic therapy. With industry support from Natera, Inc., we will use personalized circulating 
tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis to identify patients with minimal residual disease and then randomize these 
high-risk patients to standard-of-care versus intensified adjuvant therapy. Our specific aims for this KIPM 
COBRE application are (1) to evaluate circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and non-coding RNAs 
(ncRNAs) in plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) as additional biomarkers of minimal 
residual disease to define a high-risk MRD signature in our prospective AIM-TNBC trial and (2) to 
understand how molecular biomarker information influences TNBC patients’ perception of 
individual relapse risk and willingness to accept adjuvant therapy. This work will ultimately improve 
our ability to risk-stratify TNBC patients and identify those who are likely to benefit from intensification of 
adjuvant systemic therapy. This goal is aligned with the KIPM COBRE’s mission of providing precision 
medicine in that it considers individual variability in the molecular composition of one’s disease and aims to 
tailor treatment towards each patient’s unique biology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10580880
- **Project number:** 5P20GM130423-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Steven Allan Soper
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $121,641
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-02-18 → 2024-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10580880

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10580880, Detection of MRD in TNBC Through Multi-Platform Molecular Biomarker Analysis (5P20GM130423-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10580880. Licensed CC0.

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