NIH-funded research R37 grant

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.

More Breast Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project startFebruary 1, 2021
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$716,200
NIH project number5R37CA248371-06
Project IDNIH-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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.