Effects of antibiotics on immune responses in oropharyngeal cancer
Immunological changes associated with antibiotic use in oropharyngeal cancer
This study is looking at how taking antibiotics might change the germs in your mouth and affect your immune system if you have oropharyngeal cancer, with the hope of finding ways to help improve cancer treatment for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11019164 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how antibiotic use affects the immune system and microbiota in patients with oropharyngeal cancer. It aims to understand the relationship between antibiotic-induced changes in oral microbiota and the body's ability to fight tumors. By using preclinical models and analyzing saliva samples from HPV-infected women, the study will compare immune responses and microbial diversity in patients who have and have not taken antibiotics. The findings could lead to new insights into improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer, particularly those who are HPV-positive and have received antibiotics.
Not a fit: Patients with oropharyngeal cancer who have not used antibiotics or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for oropharyngeal cancer patients by optimizing antibiotic use.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that antibiotic use can negatively impact gut microbiota and immune responses, suggesting that this study's approach is relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
San Juan, United States
- University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences — San Juan, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dorta-Estremera, Stephanie — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
- Study coordinator: Dorta-Estremera, Stephanie
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.