How exercise affects gut bacteria and immune response in melanoma treatment
Official title: Role of physical exercise-induced microbiota changes in immunotherapy resistant preclinical melanoma
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11066790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31CA290756-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are melanoma patients who are currently undergoing or considering immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with melanoma or those who are not receiving immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phelps, Catherine — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Phelps, Catherine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Overcoming Melanoma Treatment Resistance with a Special IL-18 Approach
A Yale-led project tests a special engineered IL-18 immune signal to help melanoma patients who don’t fully respond to current therapies.
-
Prebiotic diet to boost gut health and improve immunotherapy response in melanoma
A diet-based approach using prebiotic foods and nutrition counseling is studied alongside standard immunotherapy to help melanoma patients respond better and reduce side effects.
-
Intratumoral microbiota and immune predictors of response to immunotherapy in lung cancer
A scientist team will study whether specific microbes inside lung tumors and immune cells can predict who will respond to immunotherapy in lung cancer.
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New approach to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in melanoma
A new strategy targets a key pathway in melanoma to boost the effectiveness of immune-based therapies for patients whose cancer resists treatment.
-
Multivalent circular mRNA vaccines for melanoma immunotherapy
A cancer vaccine approach using tiny circular mRNA vaccines aimed at boosting immune responses against melanoma in combination with existing immunotherapies.
-
Lymph Node–Targeted Co-delivery for Melanoma Immunotherapy
Aimed at improving melanoma treatment, this project tests a targeted vaccine approach that helps the body’s immune system better attack skin cancer.
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.