NIH-funded research R03 grant

How environmental chemicals may influence breast cancer development

Official title: Influence of environmental endocrine disruptors and carcinogenesis

Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11014419 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain chemicals found in everyday products might affect the development of breast cancer, especially the kind that relies on estrogen, to help us understand if these substances could increase the risk of the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project startJanuary 23, 2024
Project endDecember 31, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$78,500
NIH project number5R03ES035958-02
Project IDNIH-11014419 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are women at risk for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, particularly those with concerns about environmental exposures.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer or those not exposed to endocrine disruptors may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of environmental endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenols and phthalates, in the development of breast cancer, particularly estrogen receptor-positive types. By using animal models, the study aims to understand how these chemicals may increase breast cancer stem cells and alter tumor metabolism. The researchers will explore the effects of these disruptors on mammary gland proliferation and their potential mechanisms in promoting breast cancer. This could provide insights into how exposure to certain chemicals might contribute to breast cancer risk.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for breast cancer linked to environmental exposures.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that endocrine disruptors can affect cancer development in animal models, suggesting potential relevance to human health.

Where this research is happening

  • Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
    Newark, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Suh, Nanjoo — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Suh, Nanjoo

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.