Understanding Thyroid Cancer in World Trade Center Survivors
The Effect of WTC Exposure on Thyroid Cancer in the Survivor Population
['FUNDING_U01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11081609
This project looks at how exposure to World Trade Center dust might be connected to thyroid cancer in people who were there, especially those who were children or teenagers at the time.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11081609 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We know that people exposed to the World Trade Center dust have a higher chance of developing thyroid cancer, and we want to understand why. This project will compare the characteristics of thyroid cancer in WTC survivors to those in people who were not exposed. We will look closely at clinical details, genetic changes, and how the cancer cells look under a microscope to see if WTC exposure leads to more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer. Our goal is to uncover if specific substances in the WTC dust, called endocrine disruptors, play a role in causing or worsening this type of cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project focuses on World Trade Center survivors, particularly those who were under 18 years old at the time of exposure and have developed thyroid cancer.
Not a fit: Patients who were not exposed to the World Trade Center dust or do not have thyroid cancer would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand, prevent, and treat thyroid cancer in World Trade Center survivors by identifying unique risk factors and disease characteristics.
How similar studies have performed: This is a novel area of inquiry, as thyroid cancer in WTC survivors is largely unstudied, and no prior research has investigated the impact of early life WTC exposure on thyroid cancer aggressiveness.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- 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
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.