How Body Composition Affects Breast Cancer Survival
Body composition and breast cancer survival: immune and metabolic biomarkers in breast tumors
This project explores how a patient's body composition, like muscle and fat levels, influences how well breast cancer treatments work and their long-term survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144496 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that patients with low muscle mass or too much body fat often have a harder time with breast cancer treatments and face a higher risk of the cancer coming back. This project aims to understand how these body composition factors directly impact the breast tumor itself, specifically looking at the tumor's immune response and its growth pathways. By studying human breast cancer patients, we hope to uncover how body composition changes the tumor environment, which could help us personalize future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on breast cancer patients, particularly those with different levels of muscle mass and body fat.
Not a fit: Patients not directly participating in this molecular study would not receive immediate personal benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors tailor breast cancer treatments based on a patient's body composition, potentially improving outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While previous animal and lab studies suggest a link, this project is a novel comprehensive look at these relationships directly in human breast cancer patients.
Where this research is happening
Oakland, UNITED STATES
- Kaiser Foundation Research Institute — Oakland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feliciano, Elizabeth Marjorie Cespedes — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Feliciano, Elizabeth Marjorie Cespedes
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 below.