Exploring how gut bacteria relate to breast cancer recurrence and survival

Gut Microbiome Profiles in Association with Breast Cancer Recurrence and Mortality

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10951958

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect breast cancer recovery and survival, especially after treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to see if changes in these bacteria can help improve health outcomes for survivors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10951958 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between gut microbiome profiles and breast cancer outcomes, particularly focusing on recurrence and mortality rates among patients. It aims to understand how chemotherapy and radiotherapy affect gut bacteria and how these changes may influence long-term health outcomes for breast cancer survivors. By analyzing gut microbiome data from patients before and after treatment, the study seeks to identify potential interventions that could improve cancer prognosis. The research will utilize advanced sequencing techniques to gather detailed information about the gut microbiota.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients, particularly African American individuals and those from low- and middle-income countries, who have undergone chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been diagnosed with breast cancer or those who have not undergone any form of cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing breast cancer recurrence and improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of gut microbiota in cancer treatment is an emerging field, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding its impact on treatment efficacy, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.