How diet affects the spread of colorectal cancer

Dietary Control of the Pro-Metastatic Niche in Colorectal Cancer

NIH-funded research Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11012406

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 typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project IDNIH-11012406 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer, particularly those with obesity or high-fat diet histories.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer who are not overweight or do not have dietary concerns may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown that dietary factors can influence cancer progression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Cambridge, 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.
Conditions cancer cell metabolismcancer initiationcancer metabolism
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.