How high triglycerides may help triple negative breast cancer grow and spread
Understanding how elevated triglycerides contribute to triple negative breast cancer growth and metastasis
['FUNDING_R37'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11171486
Researchers are looking at whether high blood triglyceride levels make triple negative breast cancer grow and spread faster, which could point to ways to help women with TNBC.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11171486 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses lab experiments and mouse models that mimic high triglyceride levels, kept separate from other metabolic problems, to see how TNBC tumors behave. The team measures blood lipids like VLDL, tumor lipid breakdown products, and tumor gene activity including PPAR and cholesterol-related pathways to identify molecular changes. Early mouse work showed faster tumor growth and more metastasis with high triglycerides, and the researchers will follow up on those findings to understand mechanisms. Results could suggest whether checking and lowering triglycerides might be helpful for women with TNBC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, especially those with high blood triglyceride levels, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with other types of breast cancer or without elevated triglycerides are less likely to benefit from findings focused specifically on TNBC and high triglycerides.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to routine triglyceride testing and treatments that slow tumor growth and spread in women with TNBC.
How similar studies have performed: Epidemiological studies link high triglycerides to worse TNBC outcomes and preliminary mouse experiments show faster tumor growth, but clinical treatments targeting triglycerides for TNBC are largely untested.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GALLAGHER, EMILY JANE — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: GALLAGHER, EMILY JANE
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer gene