How early gut bacteria affect the risk of fever and infections in blood cancer patients

Impact of early gut microbiome features on risk of neutropenic fever and bloodstream infection in hematologic malignancy

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10765642

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect your chances of getting fevers and infections while you're being treated for blood cancers, so we can tailor antibiotic treatments just for you and help you feel better faster.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10765642 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria in our intestines, influences the risk of neutropenic fever and bloodstream infections in patients undergoing treatment for blood cancers. By analyzing the gut microbiome before and after chemotherapy, the study aims to identify specific bacterial features that could predict these complications. The goal is to personalize antibiotic treatments, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate care while minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use. This approach could lead to better management of infections and improved patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients receiving chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies who are at risk for neutropenic fever and bloodstream infections.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those with non-hematologic malignancies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized antibiotic treatments for patients with blood cancers, reducing the risk of infections and improving recovery times.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in using gut microbiome features to predict health outcomes, suggesting this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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 2026-06-10 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.