How low oxygen and altered fat handling affect breast cancer in people with obesity
Impact of hypoxia on lipid metabolism in obesity-driven breast cancer progression
['FUNDING_R01'] · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11238490
Researchers want to know if low oxygen and changes in how tumors process fats help breast cancer spread in people with obesity.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PURDUE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238490 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is looking at how low oxygen levels in tumors (hypoxia) and obesity-related inflammation change fat production and breakdown inside cancer cells. They focus on enzymes like FASN, PC, and CPT1A that control fat synthesis, protection from oxidative stress, and fat oxidation, comparing primary breast tumors and metastases. The work uses laboratory models and tumor samples to study a “hypoxic memory” where genes stay active after oxygen returns, and to see how these changes help cancer cells survive and spread. Results could point to biological targets that might be tested in future treatments or prevention strategies for obesity-linked breast cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer—especially those with obesity or metastatic disease—or those able to donate tumor samples could be relevant candidates for related studies or sample collection.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors are not driven by fat metabolism or whose cancer is unrelated to obesity may not see direct benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new targets to prevent or treat breast cancer metastasis in people with obesity.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have linked hypoxia and altered lipid metabolism to worse cancer outcomes, but translating these findings into proven patient treatments remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES
- PURDUE UNIVERSITY — WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TEEGARDEN, DOROTHY — PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: TEEGARDEN, DOROTHY
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 Patient