Investigating how a hormone from the ovaries may protect against breast cancer through breastfeeding.
Official title: Exploring ovarian-derived hormone STC1 as the mediator of the protective effect of breast feeding against breast cancer.
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10757058 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a hormone made by the ovaries during breastfeeding might help lower the risk of breast cancer after pregnancy, and it could lead to new ways to protect against breast cancer for new moms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $225,172 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA270702-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10757058 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, particularly those concerned about breast cancer risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with pre-existing breast cancer, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of stanniocalcin 1 (STC1), a hormone produced by the ovaries during lactation, in reducing the risk of breast cancer associated with pregnancy. The study aims to understand how STC1 inhibits a specific protease that promotes cancer cell proliferation and immune evasion. By examining the molecular mechanisms behind the protective effects of breastfeeding, the research seeks to uncover new insights into breast cancer prevention. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to new strategies for reducing breast cancer risk through breastfeeding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights into how breastfeeding may lower the risk of breast cancer, potentially leading to improved prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of STC1 in breastfeeding and breast cancer prevention is novel, similar research has shown that hormonal changes during lactation can influence cancer risk.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Germain, Doris a — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Germain, Doris a
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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.