Could tiny plastics in the environment worsen colon cancer
Mechanisms for environmental microplastics-enhanced colorectal tumor progression
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR · NIH-11171480
This work looks at whether tiny plastic particles people swallow or breathe make colon cancer grow and spread faster.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11171480 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies how the tiny plastic particles people commonly ingest or inhale might affect colon cancer. Researchers will use lab-grown 3D colon tissues and animal models to mimic human exposure and watch whether tumors grow or metastasize more quickly. They will measure inflammation, oxidative stress, barrier damage, and cell signaling changes to learn how microplastics might drive cancer progression. Results aim to clarify whether everyday microplastic exposure could influence colon cancer risk or behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer or those at higher risk for the disease would be the most relevant group for future related patient studies, although this grant focuses on lab and animal work rather than direct patient enrollment.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers unrelated to the colon or those seeking immediate changes to their personal treatment plan are unlikely to see direct benefits from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, the findings could reveal a preventable environmental risk factor and point to new ways to reduce colon cancer progression or develop targeted treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies have linked microplastics to gut inflammation and barrier problems, but direct evidence that microplastics speed colorectal tumor growth in vivo is currently lacking.
Where this research is happening
ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR — ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: XUE, XIANG — UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR
- Study coordinator: XUE, XIANG
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.