How exercise affects gut bacteria and immune response in melanoma treatment

Role of physical exercise-induced microbiota changes in immunotherapy resistant preclinical melanoma

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11066790

This study is looking at how physical exercise might change the bacteria in your gut and help make immunotherapy for melanoma work better, especially for patients who haven't had success with other treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11066790 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of physical exercise on gut microbiota and its potential role in enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy for melanoma. By using preclinical models, the study aims to understand how exercise-induced changes in gut bacteria can influence immune responses, particularly the activity of CD8 T cells, which are crucial for fighting tumors. The researchers will explore the mechanisms behind these changes and their implications for improving treatment outcomes for melanoma patients resistant to current therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are melanoma patients who are currently undergoing or considering immunotherapy treatments.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with melanoma or those who are not receiving immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in melanoma patients through exercise.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of linking exercise, gut microbiota, and immunotherapy in melanoma is novel, previous studies have shown that exercise can improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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 2026-06-13 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.