Exploring how oral bacteria influence brain tumors
Official title: The role of oral microbiota in metastatic brain tumors
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11031001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your mouth might affect brain cancer that has spread from other parts of the body, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve treatment for patients dealing with this tough condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career 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 | March 10, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $112,026 |
| NIH project number | 1K99CA296780-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with brain metastases, particularly those interested in the role of microbiota in their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without brain metastases or those who do not have a significant oral microbiota may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between oral microbiota and brain metastasis, a serious condition where cancer spreads to the brain. It aims to understand how different microbial communities affect immune responses and tumor behavior in the brain. By analyzing samples from patients and animal models, the study seeks to uncover the role of oral bacteria in shaping the tumor environment and influencing treatment outcomes. The findings could lead to new strategies for improving care for patients with brain metastases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that enhance the immune response against brain tumors, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of microbiota in cancer is an emerging field, this specific investigation into oral bacteria and brain metastasis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morad, Golnaz — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Morad, Golnaz
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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.