How gut bacteria affect cancer drug metabolism
Metabolism of cancer chemotherapeutics by the human gut microbiome
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect how well certain cancer treatments work and their side effects, specifically focusing on a chemotherapy drug called 5-FU and its related medication, capecitabine, to help make treatments more effective and safer for cancer patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10881876 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the human gut microbiome influences the effectiveness and side effects of cancer treatments, specifically focusing on the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and its prodrug capecitabine. By conducting laboratory and mouse model studies, the researchers aim to identify the specific gut bacteria and their genetic components that metabolize these drugs. Understanding these interactions could lead to personalized cancer treatment strategies that consider individual microbiome profiles. The study seeks to provide insights that could improve drug efficacy and reduce adverse effects for cancer patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing treatment with 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine, particularly those experiencing variable drug responses.
Not a fit: Patients not receiving chemotherapy or those with different cancer types unrelated to the drugs being studied may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized cancer treatments by tailoring therapies based on individual gut microbiome profiles.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in drug metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turnbaugh, Peter James — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Turnbaugh, Peter James
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 below.