Exploring how infections may influence breast cancer development in women with BRCA1 mutations
Official title: Investigating the relationship between the systemic response to infection and tumor initiation and progression in Brca1 breast cancer
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11094006 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how urinary tract infections might affect breast cancer development in women with BRCA1 mutations, hoping to find new ways to detect and prevent the disease early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,538 |
| NIH project number | 5F30CA281082-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094006 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women with BRCA1 mutations who have experienced urinary tract infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without BRCA1 mutations or those who have not had urinary tract infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between infections, specifically urinary tract infections (UTIs), and the development of breast cancer in women with BRCA1 mutations. The study aims to identify how these infections may alter mammary tissue and immune responses, potentially leading to faster tumor growth. Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry, researchers will analyze changes in mammary epithelial cells and the surrounding tissue environment. The goal is to uncover new biomarkers for early detection and prevention of breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and prevention strategies for breast cancer in women with BRCA1 mutations.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific relationship between UTIs and breast cancer in BRCA1 mutation carriers is novel, similar research has shown that infections can influence cancer progression in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, Steven Macauley — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Lewis, Steven Macauley
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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.