Exploring how gut bacteria differences affect colorectal cancer outcomes in diverse populations
Official title: Project 3: Racial and ethnic differences in the intra-tumoral microbiome: Impact on colorectal cancer mortality and clinicopathologic correlates
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10935390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect the risk of colorectal cancer, especially in African American and Alaska Native communities, to help find new ways to improve health outcomes for these groups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $269,357 |
| NIH project number | 1P50CA285275-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include African American and Alaska Native individuals aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients from racial and ethnic groups not specifically studied, or those under 21 years of age, may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the gut microbiome in colorectal cancer (CRC) disparities among different racial and ethnic groups, particularly focusing on African American and Alaska Native populations. By analyzing the composition of gut bacteria through advanced sequencing techniques, the study aims to uncover how these microbial communities may influence CRC incidence and mortality. The research will also explore the relationship between specific bacteria and various clinicopathologic factors, such as tumor characteristics and patient demographics. Ultimately, the goal is to identify novel bacterial candidates that could be linked to CRC outcomes, providing insights into potential interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of colorectal cancer disparities, potentially informing targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored the gut microbiome's role in colorectal cancer, this research aims to provide novel insights specific to racial and ethnic disparities, making it a unique approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hullar, Meredith — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Hullar, Meredith
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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.