Investigating how tumors use energy differently than healthy tissues

Measuring and manipulating metabolic fluxes in the tumor microenvironment

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-10932994

This study is looking at how cancer cells use energy differently than normal cells and how changing your diet, especially with a high-fat ketogenic diet, might help improve cancer treatment when combined with chemotherapy.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10932994 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the unique metabolic processes of tumors compared to normal tissues. By using advanced techniques to measure metabolic fluxes in living organisms, the study aims to uncover how cancer cells and other cells in the tumor microenvironment utilize energy. The researchers will explore the effects of dietary changes on tumor metabolism and growth, particularly looking at how a high-fat ketogenic diet can influence tumor behavior when combined with chemotherapy. This approach could lead to new strategies for targeting tumor metabolism in cancer treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with breast cancer or other tumors who are undergoing treatment and are interested in innovative metabolic therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who do not have tumors may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that specifically target tumor metabolism while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating tumor metabolism, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Breast Cancer Model, Breast Cancer cell line, Burn injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.