How gut bacteria affect cancer drug metabolism
Official title: Metabolism of cancer chemotherapeutics by the human gut microbiome
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11061621 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 the drugs 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine, to help make cancer care more personalized and effective for 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 start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $130,605 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA255116-02S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061621 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing treatment with 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving treatment with 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine may not benefit from this research.
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 drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and its prodrug capecitabine. By conducting laboratory and mouse studies, the researchers aim to identify the specific gut bacteria and their genetic components that metabolize these drugs. Understanding these interactions could help tailor cancer treatments to individual patients based on their gut microbiome composition. The ultimate goal is to improve the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of cancer therapies for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: 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
-
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
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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.