How gut bacteria affect breast cancer spread
Official title: Gut microbiome-mediated differences within the pre-malignant mammary tissue environment enhance early breast tumor metastasis
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11015080 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how differences in gut bacteria might affect the spread of breast cancer in women with hormone receptor-positive tumors, to help understand why some patients have more aggressive disease than others, even with the same treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $447,799 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA262634-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015080 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who are at risk of metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-hormone receptor-positive breast cancer or those who have already experienced significant metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of gut microbiome differences in the early stages of breast cancer metastasis, particularly in patients with hormone receptor-positive tumors. It aims to understand why some patients experience metastatic disease while others do not, despite similar treatments. The study explores how an inflammatory microbiome with low biodiversity can enhance the spread of tumor cells from the breast to other parts of the body. By examining the interactions between the gut microbiome and mammary tissue, the research seeks to identify potential mechanisms that contribute to cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or reducing breast cancer metastasis in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that gut microbiome alterations can influence cancer progression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rutkowski, Melanie R — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Rutkowski, Melanie R
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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.