Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) awarded Duke University $696,154 under the Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420) to investigate off-target effects of breast cancer adjuvant radiation therapy on thymus function in young women. The three-year project, initiated September 1, 2026 and concluding August 31, 2029, will be conducted at Duke University's Durham, North Carolina facility. The research addresses a critical gap in understanding how radiation therapy used in breast cancer treatment may adversely affect thymic function in younger patients, with potential implications for immune system health and long-term quality of life outcomes in this population.

This award supports the DHA's mission to advance biomedical research addressing Service Member health and conditions affecting the military population. The project represents the type of investigator-initiated research the Military Medical Research and Development program routinely funds, with award periods typically spanning three to four years and amounts ranging from $100,000 to $20 million depending on project scope and funding priorities. Duke University's Office of Research Administration will execute the award as part of the university's substantial federal research portfolio spanning oncology, immunology, and related biomedical disciplines.