Cancer Epidemiology Research

Chung-Cheng Hsieh, PhD

The Hsieh laboratory is interested in the epidemiology of breast and ovarian cancer with particular emphasis on the role of hormonal changes associated with childbearing.  Specifically, the Hsieh laboratory is studying the hypothesis on prenatal origin of breast cancer, including studying the correlation between stem cells and perinatal factors for breast cancer risk to see whether hormone levels in human umbilical cord blood are associated with measurements of stem cell potential and apoptotic expression.  A second area of research interest is to examine the complex association between childbearing and ovarian cancer risk.

The research work conducted under Dr. Hsieh's supervision includes:

  • In utero exposure and subsequent risk of breast cancer
  • Stem cells and perinatal factors for breast cancer risk
  • Gestational characteristics and maternal breast cancer risk
  • Risk factors for women of different ethnic backgrounds with different breast cancer rates, both in Massachusetts and abroad.

Current Research Projects in the Hsieh Laboratory

National Institutes of Health - National Cancer Institute

  • R01 CA90902:   Stem Cells and Prenatal Factors for Breast Cancer Risk

         The major goal of this project is to examine whether hormone levels in human umbilical cord blood are associated with measurements of stem cell potential and apoptotic expression.
  • R01 CA95112:  Childbearing and Post-Partum Ovarian Cancer Risk

         The major goal of this project is to examine the complex associations between childbearing and ovarian cancer risk.
  • R01 CA87982:   HCV Infection:  Risk Factors for Progression

         The major goal of this project is to study the risk factors for HCV infection that progresses to hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • R01 CA92344:  Breast Cancer Treatment with Antibody Targeted T-Cells

         The major goal of this project is to examine the efficacy of anti-CD3 activated T-cells armed with heteroconjugated bispecific monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of stage IV breast cancer.
    Role:  Co-Investigator

U.S. Army DAMD

  • BC 044779:   Early Life Processes, Endocrine Mediators and Number of Susceptible Cells in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk

         The major goal of this project is to examine the hypothesis that growth and mammotropic hormones in perinatal life affects the number of stem cells and that stem cell number is likely to be reflected in birth size and rate of postnatal growth that, in turn, represent intermediate steps and correlates of mammary gland mass and breast cancer risk in adult life.