How oxidative stress affects cancer risk and survival over time

Time-dependent and bidirectional effect of oxidative stress - a missing piece of the free radical theory of cancer and its potential implications

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10993164

This study is looking at how oxidative stress affects cancer over time and why taking antioxidant supplements hasn’t always helped people as expected; it’s for cancer survivors who want to understand how these factors might influence their recovery and health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10993164 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex relationship between oxidative stress and cancer, particularly focusing on how its effects can change over time. It aims to understand why antioxidant supplements, which are thought to reduce cancer risk, have not shown clear benefits in large clinical trials and may even increase risk in some cases. By studying cancer survivors and their experiences with oxidative stress, the research seeks to clarify the role of antioxidants in cancer prognosis and healing. The approach includes molecular epidemiological studies to gather evidence on the bidirectional effects of oxidative stress on cancer risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include cancer survivors who have used or are considering antioxidant supplements.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing active cancer treatment or those without a history of cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that improve cancer treatment and survivorship care by clarifying the role of oxidative stress and antioxidants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding antioxidants and cancer risk, indicating that this area is still under investigation and may lead to novel insights.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, 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 Advanced Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.