How diet affects the spread of colorectal cancer
Official title: Dietary Control of the Pro-Metastatic Niche in Colorectal Cancer
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11012406 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating a high-fat diet might affect the way colorectal cancer spreads to the liver, especially in people with certain genetic changes in their tumors, to help find better diet tips or treatments for reducing cancer spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | January 19, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $142,301 |
| NIH project number | 5K99CA287057-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012406 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer, particularly those with obesity or high-fat diet histories.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer who are not overweight or do not have dietary concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of high-fat diets on the spread of colorectal cancer (CRC) to the liver. Using advanced models that mimic human CRC, the study examines how different genetic mutations in tumors respond to obesity and dietary factors. By analyzing tumor behavior and changes in the liver environment, researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that drive cancer metastasis. This could lead to new dietary recommendations or therapies to reduce cancer spread.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating metastatic colorectal cancer through dietary interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that dietary factors can influence cancer progression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goswami, Swagata — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Goswami, Swagata
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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.