How fat tissue affects colorectal cancer growth

The alterations caused by obese extracellular vesicles on colorectal cancer tumor microenvironment

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10990326

This study is looking at how tiny particles from fat tissue in people with obesity might change the environment around colorectal cancer tumors, which could help explain why those patients sometimes don’t respond as well to chemotherapy, with the hope of finding better treatment options for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10990326 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how extracellular vesicles (tiny particles released by fat tissue) from obese individuals influence the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer. It focuses on understanding the differences in these vesicles from obese versus non-obese patients and how they affect cancer cell metabolism and growth. By analyzing the cargo carried by these vesicles, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that may lead to poorer chemotherapy responses in obese colorectal cancer patients. The ultimate goal is to identify potential targeted therapies that could improve treatment outcomes for this specific group of patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are colorectal cancer patients with a high body mass index (BMI).

Not a fit: Patients with colorectal cancer who have a normal BMI may not benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies that improve chemotherapy effectiveness for obese colorectal cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that targeting metabolic pathways influenced by obesity can improve cancer treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach may also be promising.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.