Investigating how energy balance affects breast cancer outcomes through the mTOR pathway
Official title: Energy Balance, mTOR pathway signaling, and breast cancer prognosis
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11015808 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how weight changes and obesity might affect breast cancer outcomes, and it hopes to find ways to improve treatment by focusing on a specific biological pathway, which could help patients understand how their lifestyle choices might influence their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $716,200 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA248371-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015808 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those who are experiencing issues related to obesity or weight management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with breast cancer who are not affected by obesity or energy imbalance may not receive significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the connection between energy imbalance and breast cancer prognosis by focusing on the mTOR pathway. It seeks to understand how obesity and weight changes influence breast cancer outcomes and whether targeting the mTOR pathway can improve clinical results for patients. The study will involve analyzing biological mechanisms that link body weight and breast cancer, potentially leading to new treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights into how lifestyle changes and biological interventions can impact their prognosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for breast cancer patients by targeting the mTOR pathway.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting biological mechanisms related to obesity and cancer outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Ting-Yuan — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Ting-Yuan
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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.