How obesity affects the effectiveness of radiotherapy in cancer treatment

The Impact of Obesity on Radiotherapy Anti-Tumor Effects

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11044199

This study is looking into how being overweight might affect the success of radiation therapy for cancer, with the goal of finding ways to help overweight patients get better results from their treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11044199 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between obesity and the effectiveness of radiotherapy in treating cancer. It aims to understand why obese cancer patients often experience reduced benefits from radiotherapy and higher rates of cancer recurrence. The study will explore the biological mechanisms behind this resistance, focusing on how obesity-related hormones and immune responses may alter the effectiveness of cancer therapies. By examining these factors, the research seeks to identify potential strategies to improve treatment outcomes for obese cancer patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are obese individuals diagnosed with cancer who are undergoing or considering radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not obese or those without a cancer diagnosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved radiotherapy strategies for obese cancer patients, enhancing their treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that obesity can negatively impact cancer treatment outcomes, suggesting that this research addresses a significant and relevant issue.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions anti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.