Investigating how air pollution affects breast cancer through a specific receptor

Ah-Receptor as a central mediator of immunomodulation in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11048948

This study is looking at how air pollution from traffic might increase the risk of breast cancer and aims to find new ways to treat it by understanding how certain pollutants affect the body, especially in women who have been exposed to high levels of pollution.

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-11048948 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the link between air pollution, particularly from traffic-related sources, and the risk of developing breast cancer. It focuses on the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in mediating the effects of environmental pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on breast cancer progression. By studying how these pollutants influence the tumor microenvironment, the research aims to identify potential new therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment. The study will involve analyzing gene expression and the immune response in breast cancer patients exposed to high levels of air pollution.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation would include women diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those living in urban areas with high traffic-related air pollution.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have breast cancer or those living in areas with low levels of air pollution may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for breast cancer that target the effects of environmental pollutants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of environmental pollutants in cancer development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

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 2026-06-13 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.