Coffee and Gut Health for Colorectal Cancer Patients
Official title: Coffee and metabolites modulating the gut microbiome for improved colorectal cancer survival
Funded at Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11124198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is exploring if drinking coffee can help people with colorectal cancer live longer and healthier lives by influencing their gut bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 2, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $650,806 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA263776-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer who are interested in understanding the role of diet in their health.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or those without colorectal cancer would not directly benefit from this specific intervention, as it focuses on cancer survival.
What this research studies
Many Americans live with colorectal cancer, and improving their long-term health is a key goal. We know that diet plays a big role in how cancer progresses, and coffee, a popular beverage, contains many helpful compounds. These compounds interact with the bacteria in our gut, potentially reducing inflammation and slowing tumor growth. Previous observations suggest that colorectal cancer patients who drink more coffee might have a lower risk of their cancer returning or causing death. This project aims to understand if coffee truly helps and how it works, through a clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to simple dietary recommendations for colorectal cancer patients to improve their chances of survival and reduce recurrence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous observational studies have shown a promising link between coffee consumption and improved survival rates in colorectal cancer patients, but this trial seeks to confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Mingyang — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Song, Mingyang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Gut microbiome in cystic fibrosis and colorectal cancer risk
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Dietary approach to prevent colorectal cancer by shaping gut bacteria and bile acids
A long-term study will explore how diet influences gut microbes and bile acids to reduce colorectal cancer risk in people.
-
Coffee-derived metabolites that may boost survival after colorectal cancer
A biomarker-based trial will explore whether compounds from coffee and gut bacteria can improve outcomes for adults with colorectal cancer.
-
Diet to lower colon cancer risk by changing bile acids and gut bacteria
A diet that lowers harmful bile acids and shifts gut bacteria to help reduce colorectal cancer risk in adults.
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Exploring how the Mediterranean diet can lower colorectal cancer risk by affecting gut bacteria and bile acids.
This study is looking at how following a Mediterranean diet and losing weight can help lower the risk of colorectal cancer, especially for African Americans who are more at risk, by improving gut health and reducing harmful bacteria.
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Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.
This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.
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.