Bacterial pockets inside tumors and how they shape tumor diversity
Defining the landscape of bacterial-colonized microniches in tumors and their role in intratumoral heterogeneity.
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11174236
This work maps bacteria-filled pockets inside tumors and sees how they may change tumor and immune cells in people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174236 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We'll examine tumor tissue samples to find where bacteria live inside tumors and which bacterial species are present. The team will use specialized imaging and molecular tests to map these bacterial-colonized microniches and how they overlap with immune and cancer cells. Lab models, including cultured cells and animal experiments, will be used to test how these bacteria influence tumor behavior and immune responses. The project aims to link bacterial patterns in human tumors to features like immune suppression or tumor cell diversity that could affect treatment outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with solid tumors (for example colorectal or oral cancers) who are having surgery or biopsies and can donate tumor tissue for research.
Not a fit: People without tumor tissue available, those with cancers that lack tumor-associated bacteria, or anyone seeking an immediate treatment benefit are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal bacterial targets or biomarkers that help predict prognosis or guide new treatments that modify the tumor microbiome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked specific bacteria like Fusobacterium to worse outcomes in colorectal cancer, but detailed spatial mapping of bacteria inside tumors is a newer and still-developing approach.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BULLMAN, SUSAN — UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: BULLMAN, SUSAN
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.