Dietary approach to prevent colorectal cancer by shaping gut bacteria and bile acids
Official title: Dietary prevention for colorectal cancer: targeting the bile acid/gut microbiome axis
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11394379 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term study will explore how diet influences gut microbes and bile acids to reduce colorectal cancer risk in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 13, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $220,793 |
| NIH project number | 5R00CA283146-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394379 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for colorectal cancer or those interested in preventive dietary strategies may benefit, pending study findings.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals seeking immediate treatment or with conditions that exclude dietary modification may not benefit in the short term.
What this research studies
This project looks at how what we eat affects the gut microbiome and the chemicals it makes, specifically bile acids that may drive colon cancer. Researchers will use observational data from many years, including blood metabolites and diet records, to see if a diet that targets the gut microbiome-SBA axis lowers CRC risk. The goal is to create a dietary pattern that could be recommended to people to prevent colorectal cancer. If successful, findings could guide personalized nutrition strategies in clinical care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the link is confirmed, it could lead to dietary recommendations that reduce colorectal cancer risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests gut microbiome and bile acids influence CRC risk, but a diet specifically targeting this axis is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Kai — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wang, Kai
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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.