Investigating the link between World Trade Center exposure and thyroid cancer in survivors
Official title: The Effect of WTC Exposure on Thyroid Cancer in the Survivor Population
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10903700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether breathing in dust from the World Trade Center affects the risk of thyroid cancer in kids and teens who were exposed, and it aims to understand how this exposure might lead to more serious cases of the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $499,982 |
| NIH project number | 5U01OH012621-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903700 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who were under 18 years old at the time of the WTC exposure and have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not exposed to WTC dust or those who do not have a history of thyroid cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the potential connection between exposure to World Trade Center (WTC) dust and the development of thyroid cancer in individuals who were exposed, particularly focusing on children and adolescents. The study aims to analyze clinical, mutational, and pathological characteristics of thyroid cancer in WTC survivors compared to those who were not exposed. By assessing the impact of endocrine disruptors found in WTC dust, the research seeks to understand how early life exposure may lead to more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer. This comprehensive approach will provide valuable insights into the long-term health effects of WTC exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of thyroid cancer in WTC survivors, potentially informing treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a concerning link between environmental exposures and cancer risk, suggesting that this investigation could yield significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Gerwen, Maaike — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Van Gerwen, Maaike
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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.