Investigating the link between chemical exposure and prostate cancer risk.
Official title: Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Prostate Cancer: Opportunities for Prevention and Early Detection
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11044991 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain harmful chemicals in the environment might raise the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, especially in Black men who are more likely to face serious outcomes from this disease, and it aims to find ways to improve prevention and health care based on the findings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $184,921 |
| NIH project number | 5K01ES035734-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044991 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black men living in areas with known PFAS contamination and those at risk for prostate cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of prostate cancer or are not exposed to PFAS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are harmful chemicals found in the environment, may increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, particularly among Black men who face higher mortality rates from this disease. The study will analyze data from diverse populations in New Jersey to identify potential connections between PFAS exposure and prostate cancer outcomes. By developing a model to assess drinking water contamination levels, the research aims to uncover critical insights that could lead to better prevention strategies and health interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and early detection strategies for prostate cancer, particularly for high-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a potential link between PFAS exposure and increased cancer risk, suggesting that this research could build on existing findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iyer, Hari S — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Iyer, Hari S
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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.