Understanding how air pollution affects cancer risk in India

Biomarker phenotypes of air pollution and cancer risk in India

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11134715

This work looks at how chemicals from air pollution might lead to aerodigestive tract cancers in non-smokers in India.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11134715 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

We are working to understand the connection between exposure to air pollution and the risk of developing certain cancers, specifically lung and head and neck cancers. Our team will look at biological markers in blood samples from people who have these cancers and from healthy individuals. By comparing these markers, we hope to find out how much exposure to pollutants might increase cancer risk. This information can help identify people who are most at risk and guide efforts to prevent these cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This work focuses on Indian non-smokers who have or are at risk for lung or head and neck cancers, as well as healthy non-smokers with varying levels of air pollution exposure.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not linked to air pollution or who are not in the specified geographic or demographic groups may not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify individuals at higher risk for aerodigestive tract cancers due to air pollution and inform new prevention strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the link between air pollution and cancer is known, this work aims to identify specific biological markers and their association with cancer risk in a particular population, building on existing epidemiological approaches.

Where this research is happening

MINNEAPOLIS, 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.