Investigating the link between microplastic pollution in lung fluid and lung cancer
Official title: Epidemiologic study of microplastic pollution in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and its association with lung cancer
Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-10944361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny plastic particles in the lungs of people who might have lung cancer to see if they could be linked to the disease, and it involves around 275 patients at the Moffitt Cancer Center.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $425,772 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA293440-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10944361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing bronchoalveolar lavage for suspected lung cancer or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without lung cancer or those not undergoing bronchoalveolar lavage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the presence of microplastics in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with suspected lung cancer. By analyzing samples collected during routine medical procedures, the study aims to understand how these tiny plastic particles may be associated with lung cancer development. The research will involve approximately 275 patients at the Moffitt Cancer Center, focusing on the potential health impacts of microplastics that have entered the lungs. The findings could provide critical insights into environmental factors contributing to lung cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of environmental risks associated with lung cancer, potentially influencing prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of microplastics in human health is emerging, this specific approach to studying their impact on lung cancer is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Egan, Kathleen M. — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Egan, Kathleen M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Blood-based markers to identify lung cancer risk in never-smokers
A researchers team at NYU School of Medicine is testing blood tests that might flag higher lung cancer risk in people who have never smoked, helping decide who might need screening.
-
Integrative Analysis of Lung Cancer Risk and Its Causes
A large, multi-part study at the University of New Mexico is exploring why lung cancer happens and how to better prevent and detect it.
-
Integrative Analysis of Lung Cancer Risk and Causes
A large NIH project is exploring how tobacco use, behavior, biology, and screening practices influence lung cancer risk and outcomes to help prevent and detect it earlier.
-
Digital health strategies to expand lung cancer screening in safety-net clinics
A funded project aims to help low-resource clinics increase the use of lung cancer screening for patients who smoke or are at risk.
-
Proteomics-guided matching of lung cancer tumors to preclinical models
This grant aims to improve how we match a patient’s lung cancer tumor to the right preclinical models using protein data.
-
Optimizing lung cancer care with smart tools for prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship
A U01 grant using AI and biomarkers to improve lung cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship care for people at risk or living with lung cancer.
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.