How diet affects cancer progression and treatment responses.
Official title: Diet-mediated regulation of fatty acid saturation impacts cancer progression and therapy responses.
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-11061083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how what you eat can affect cancer growth and treatment success, with the goal of finding better diet tips for people with cancer to help them feel better and improve their treatment outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $796,798 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA286580-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are interested in modifying their diet to potentially enhance their treatment responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with cancer or those who are not interested in dietary changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of dietary choices on cancer progression and the effectiveness of cancer therapies. It aims to understand the molecular mechanisms by which diet influences tumor metabolism and patient outcomes, particularly after a cancer diagnosis. By exploring how different dietary components interact with cancer treatments, the study seeks to develop tailored nutritional strategies that could enhance the efficacy of existing therapies. The research will focus on the relationship between dietary fats and cancer cell behavior, providing insights that could lead to improved dietary recommendations for cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized dietary recommendations that improve cancer treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of diet in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lien, Evan Chen — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Lien, Evan Chen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Histone mutations in cancer pathogenesis
A cancer-focused study looks at how changes in histone genes found in patients may drive tumor growth and interact with other cancer mutations.
-
circSATB2: a new regulator in arsenic-related cancer
A new gene-related mechanism linked to arsenic exposure and cancer is being studied to understand how a circular RNA from SATB2 may influence cancer development.
-
Bacteria that influence insulin signaling and Type 2 diabetes
Researchers will study gut bacteria that may change how insulin works in the body, with a focus on diabetes risk.
-
Understanding how amyloid plaques form in Alzheimer's disease
A research project will look at how misfolded amyloid proteins build up in the brains of people and mouse models with Alzheimer’s disease to uncover new clues for diagnosis and treatment.
-
How DNA methylation patterns are kept in colon cancer and what happens when they’re disrupted
Researchers are studying how the molecular marks that control gene activity are maintained in colon cancer and how breaking these marks affects cancer growth and treatment response.
-
ER quality control across cell types with unique ER shapes
A scientist will study how the endoplasmic reticulum keeps cells healthy by managing its structure and stress responses in different cell types, including neurons.
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.