Investigating the link between red blood cell fatty acids and breast cancer mortality

Red Blood Cell Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Breast Cancer Mortality in the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10684219

This study is looking at how certain fats in your blood might affect survival rates after a breast cancer diagnosis, and it’s for women who want to understand how their diet could help improve their chances after treatment.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10684219 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how specific fatty acids in red blood cells relate to breast cancer mortality. By analyzing samples from the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study, the research aims to identify the impact of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on survival rates after a breast cancer diagnosis. The study employs advanced structural models to provide a more accurate assessment than previous studies that relied on self-reported data. This approach aims to refine strategies for reducing breast cancer mortality through dietary interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with breast cancer who are interested in understanding how dietary factors may influence their health outcomes.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with breast cancer or those who are not interested in dietary interventions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary recommendations that may enhance survival rates for breast cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored the relationship between fatty acids and breast cancer, this research employs a novel biomarker approach that has not been widely tested.

Where this research is happening

SAN DIEGO, 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

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.