Coffee and Gut Health for Colorectal Cancer Patients
Coffee and metabolites modulating the gut microbiome for improved colorectal cancer survival
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 ID | NIH-11124198 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults diagnosed with colorectal cancer who are interested in understanding the role of diet in their health.
Not a fit: Healthy individuals or those without colorectal cancer would not directly benefit from this specific intervention, as it focuses on cancer survival.
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 performed: 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
Boston, United States
- 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
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.