Engineering bacteria to treat metastatic colorectal cancer
Official title: Engineering S. typhimurium for metastatic colorectal cancer
Funded at Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-10733437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how specially designed bacteria can help treat metastatic colorectal cancer by making them smart enough to find and attack cancer cells, and it’s aimed at improving treatment options for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $352,142 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB029750-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10733437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer who may benefit from innovative therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer or those not diagnosed with colorectal cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on using genetically engineered bacteria to target and treat metastatic colorectal cancer. By programming these living cells to sense and respond to their environment, the approach aims to enhance the specificity and effectiveness of cancer therapies. The study will utilize a high-throughput platform to rapidly test various therapeutic strategies and assess their impact on different genetic backgrounds of colorectal cancer. Ultimately, the goal is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these engineered bacteria in mouse models before considering clinical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using engineered bacteria for cancer therapy, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia Univ New York Morningside
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Danino, Tal — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Danino, Tal
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Population-based view of patient-reported outcomes in adults with metastatic colorectal cancer
This grant funds a long-term study to understand experiences and quality of life for adults living with metastatic colorectal cancer.
-
Nanodelivery of FP polymers to improve treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
A new nanoscale therapy called CF10 is being developed to deliver a chemotherapy drug more directly to metastatic colorectal cancer, aiming for better tumor targeting and fewer side effects.
-
How metastatic colorectal cancer weakens muscles and bones
This research looks at how metastatic colorectal cancer and a hormone called FGF21 cause muscle and bone wasting in people with advanced colorectal cancer.
-
Nanoscale polymers delivering patient-specific cancer vaccines for metastatic colorectal cancer
A new therapy uses tiny, designer particles to carry patient-specific cancer antigens to tumors in people with advanced colorectal cancer.
-
Targeted nanoparticles combining chemotherapy and immune stimulation for advanced colon cancer
Targeted nanoparticles that deliver a two-drug chemotherapy combo plus immune-activating components are being developed to help people with metastatic colorectal (colon) cancer that usually does not respond to current immunotherapy.
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Symptoms and quality of life in adults living with metastatic colorectal cancer
Researchers will follow adults with metastatic colorectal cancer over time to learn what symptoms and quality-of-life issues they experience during treatment and survivorship.
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.