Investigating how insulin affects breast cancer growth in mouse models

Targeting cell cycle and metabolic pathways of high risk breast cancers using mouse models of hyperinsulinemia

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10866438

This study is looking at how insulin levels might affect breast cancer growth in women with type 2 diabetes, and it aims to find better treatments that could help those facing both conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10866438 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the relationship between insulin levels and breast cancer progression, particularly in women with type 2 diabetes. By using mouse models that mimic hyperinsulinemia, the study aims to explore how certain proteins, like CDK4 and NUAK1, influence tumor growth and response to therapies. The researchers will assess the effectiveness of CDK4/6 inhibitors and other potential treatments in controlling breast cancer under these conditions. This approach could lead to more targeted therapies for patients with both diabetes and breast cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with breast cancer who also have type 2 diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or those without diabetes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for breast cancer patients, particularly those with diabetes, potentially reducing recurrence and mortality rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that targeting insulin signaling pathways can be effective in treating certain cancers, indicating a promising avenue for this research.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 Adult-Onset Diabetes MellitusBreast CancerBreast Cancer CellBreast Cancer PatientBreast Cancer Risk Factor
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.