How fat tissue affects breast cancer growth and spread
Official title: Mechanical properties of adipose tissue and its effect on breast cancer
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-10928170 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fat tissue in the body affects breast cancer and how being overweight might make the cancer worse, with the hope of finding better ways to treat patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $507,847 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276392-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928170 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, especially those with obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with breast cancer who are not obese or do not have significant adipose tissue may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of white adipose tissue (WAT) in breast cancer, focusing on how its mechanical properties influence tumor cell invasion. The study aims to understand how obesity alters these properties and contributes to worse outcomes in breast cancer patients. By examining the connections between adipocyte mechanics, extracellular matrix remodeling, and tumor invasion, the research seeks to uncover new insights into breast cancer progression. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to improved treatment strategies targeting these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that improve outcomes for breast cancer patients, particularly those who are obese.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between adipose tissue and cancer progression, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fischbach, Claudia — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Fischbach, Claudia
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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.