Bioengineered Networking Microbes for Targeted Colon Cancer Therapy
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11457613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project tests a engineered bacteria-based therapy designed to target colon tumors and boost the body’s immune response in people with colon cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $403,686 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA309636-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11457613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with colon cancer who are eligible for experimental therapies and for whom a microbiome-based approach is being considered.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced disease where bacterial therapies are not suitable or who experience unacceptable safety risks may not benefit.
What this research studies
This program uses genetically modified Salmonella to deliver cancer-killing proteins directly to tumors and to spark an immune reaction against the cancer. It also includes helper gut bacteria to restore balance and potentially reduce inflammation linked to cancer progression. The work is done in preclinical mouse models and aims to show that the bacteria can reach tumors, cause tumor cell death, and improve survival while keeping safety acceptable. The researchers plan to study how these microbes communicate and cooperate to maximize tumor targeting and immune activation. Overall, the project explores a novel, living therapy approach for colon cancer that could complement existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new, targeted bacterial therapies that enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve outcomes for colon cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in mice have shown that engineered bacteria delivering therapeutic agents can induce tumor cell death and stimulate anti-tumor immunity, supporting further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kong, Wei — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Kong, Wei
Related research
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This grant explores how certain immune cells that can dampen anti-tumor responses (regulatory T cells) arise and behave in colon cancer, with the goal of understanding and potentially guiding better treatments for patients.
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.