NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Exploring how gut bacteria may influence benign breast disease

Official title: Identifying the role of the gut microbiome in the etiology of benign breast disease

Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11032896 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might be linked to benign breast disease, which can increase the risk of breast cancer, by examining samples from about 1,800 women to see how hormones might influence these bacteria, and it will also take a closer look at 300 women with a specific type of benign breast disease to learn more about this connection.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project startFebruary 1, 2024
Project endJanuary 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$186,004
NIH project number5R00CA267557-04
Project IDNIH-11032896 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with benign breast disease, particularly those with hormonal risk factors.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have benign breast disease or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between the gut microbiome and benign breast disease (BBD), which is a known risk factor for breast cancer. By analyzing gut bacteria in approximately 1,800 women, the study aims to uncover how hormonal factors may affect microbial composition and its potential role in BBD. The research will also include a focused analysis of 300 women with a specific subtype of BBD to better understand these associations. This could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms linking gut health and breast disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or managing benign breast disease and potentially reducing breast cancer risk.

How similar studies have gone: While the role of the gut microbiome in various health conditions has been explored, this specific investigation into its impact on benign breast disease is novel and has not been systematically studied before.

Where this research is happening

  • Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
    Newark, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wang, Tengteng — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Wang, Tengteng

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.