How gut bacteria affect cancer treatment effectiveness
Official title: Adverse gut microbiome promotes resistance immune checkpoint inhibitors via chronic inflammation
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11032419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect how well cancer treatments called immune checkpoint inhibitors work, and it hopes to find new ways to improve these treatments by using ideas from fecal transplants without the hassle.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $32,400 |
| NIH project number | 1K99CA296940-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers who are currently receiving or are candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy or those with non-cancerous conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the gut microbiome in influencing the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) used in cancer therapy. It aims to understand how an adverse gut microbiome can lead to chronic inflammation, which may hinder the success of these treatments. The study will explore the potential of therapies that can mimic the beneficial effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) without the logistical challenges associated with it. By analyzing the interactions between gut bacteria and the immune system, the research seeks to identify new strategies to enhance anti-tumor immunity in patients undergoing ICI therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatment outcomes for patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with fecal microbiota transplantation in enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, indicating a potential for success in this area of research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baruch, Erez N — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Baruch, Erez N
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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.