Exploring how bacteria in tumors affect cancer growth and diversity.
Official title: Defining the landscape of bacterial-colonized microniches in tumors and their role in intratumoral heterogeneity.
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10859933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bacteria inside tumors might affect cancer growth and treatment outcomes, helping us understand how these tiny organisms could play a role in your cancer journey.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $626,893 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA289812-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10859933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with various types of cancer who have tumors containing distinct bacterial populations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without tumors or those whose cancer does not involve significant bacterial colonization may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of bacteria within tumors and how they interact with cancer cells. By analyzing the tumor microenvironment, the study aims to identify specific bacterial communities that may influence disease progression and patient outcomes. The researchers will utilize advanced microbiome analysis techniques to map the distribution of these bacteria and their potential impact on tumor behavior. This work could lead to a better understanding of how intratumoral bacteria contribute to cancer heterogeneity and treatment responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for cancer treatment by targeting bacterial communities within tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of the microbiome in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bullman, Susan — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bullman, Susan
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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.