How breast tumors affect sleep patterns
Official title: Mechanism Underlying Sleep Disruption by Mammary Tumors
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-10817802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breast cancer tumors might affect sleep by exploring a hormone called ghrelin, which could be linked to sleep problems in patients, with the goal of finding ways to help improve sleep for those dealing with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $168,767 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA276027-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer who are experiencing sleep disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of breast cancer or those not experiencing sleep issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mammary tumors disrupt sleep by examining the physiological mechanisms involved. It focuses on the role of ghrelin, a hormone that may increase due to the presence of tumors, and its effect on neurons that regulate sleep. By using pharmacological and genetic techniques, the study aims to uncover the relationship between tumor-induced changes in hormone levels and sleep disorders in breast cancer patients. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to better management of sleep issues in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for sleep disorders in breast cancer patients, enhancing their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining ghrelin in relation to sleep disruption in breast cancer is novel, related research has shown that hormonal changes can impact sleep in cancer patients.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Randy J. — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Randy J.
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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.