Obesity's role in liver metastasis of breast cancer
Hepatic steatosis promotes liver metastasis
This study is looking at how being overweight might help breast cancer spread to the liver and whether treating liver problems can help improve treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11001833 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how obesity contributes to the spread of breast cancer to the liver, a common and serious complication. It examines the mechanisms by which fatty liver disease, often linked to obesity, may fuel tumor growth and worsen patient outcomes. The study involves analyzing human liver biopsies and MRI data, as well as conducting experiments in mice to understand the relationship between liver health and breast cancer metastasis. The ultimate goal is to determine if treating fatty liver disease can reduce liver metastasis and improve responses to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with breast cancer who also have obesity or fatty liver disease.
Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or those who do not have obesity or fatty liver disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve survival rates for breast cancer patients by addressing obesity-related liver issues.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that addressing obesity and liver health can impact cancer outcomes, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Teitelbaum, Steven L — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Teitelbaum, Steven L
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 below.