How early gut bacteria affect the risk of fever and infections in blood cancer patients
Official title: Impact of early gut microbiome features on risk of neutropenic fever and bloodstream infection in hematologic malignancy
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10765642 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 13, 2020 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,940 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AI143925-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10765642 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients receiving chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies who are at risk for neutropenic fever and bloodstream infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those with non-hematologic malignancies may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ziegler, Matthew — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ziegler, Matthew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.