A sweeping genomic study has revealed that nearly every African American woman with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) carries mutations in the TP53 gene—a finding that significantly reshapes understanding of this aggressive cancer subtype. TP53, often called the “guardian of the genome,” plays a critical role in regulating cell growth and preventing tumor formation. Its mutation is known to drive cancer progression, but the extent of its presence in Black TNBC patients was previously underestimated.
Led by researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the study analyzed whole-exome and RNA data to build the most detailed mutational profile of TNBC in African American women to date. “Mutations in the TP53 gene were present in almost all African American TNBC patients,” the researchers reported, suggesting a far greater prevalence than previously realized.
This discovery is especially significant given TNBC’s disproportionate impact on Black women, who are diagnosed at nearly twice the rate of non-Hispanic white women. While the study found no major racial differences in TNBC biology at the level of somatic mutations, the ubiquity of TP53 mutations may help explain the aggressive nature of the disease in this population.
The findings also underscore the importance of inclusive genomic research. By identifying key genetic drivers like TP53, scientists can better tailor treatments and develop targeted therapies that address the specific needs of underserved communities.
See: “Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Mutations Mapped in Black Women” (August 27, 2025)
