Understanding daily hormone rhythms in breast cancer

Central mechanisms of glucocorticoid circadian rhythm dysfunction in breast cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY · NIH-11126566

This work explores why daily hormone cycles are disrupted in people with breast cancer and how restoring these cycles might help.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (COLD SPRING HARBOR, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11126566 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many people with breast cancer experience changes in their natural daily hormone rhythms, specifically with glucocorticoids like cortisol, which can affect their quality of life and how long they live. This project aims to uncover the brain mechanisms that cause these rhythms to become 'blunted' or 'flat' in breast cancer. Researchers are using advanced techniques in preclinical models to understand how the brain's control center for these hormones, called the HPA-axis, is affected. By identifying these central mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to restore healthy hormone rhythms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with breast cancer who experience disrupted daily hormone rhythms.

Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or those whose hormone rhythms are not affected by their cancer may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that improve the quality of life and extend the lives of patients with breast cancer by normalizing their daily hormone cycles.

How similar studies have performed: While the blunting of glucocorticoid rhythms in breast cancer patients is a known clinical finding, the underlying central brain mechanisms are not well understood, making this a novel area of exploration.

Where this research is happening

COLD SPRING HARBOR, 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 →

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.