How gut bacteria affect cancer treatment response
Role of Gut Microbiota in Modulating Immune Checkpoint Inhibitory Therapy for Cancer
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might help make cancer treatments work better, especially for people with advanced melanoma, by figuring out which specific gut bacteria can boost the immune system's fight against tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10685566 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of gut microbiota in enhancing the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for cancer patients. It aims to understand how specific gut bacteria can improve immune responses against tumors, particularly in patients with metastatic melanoma. By analyzing the gut microbiota of patients and using precision probiotic therapy, the study seeks to identify which bacteria can optimize treatment outcomes. The approach includes both clinical observations and preclinical experiments in mice to explore the relationship between gut health and cancer therapy effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with metastatic melanoma who are undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have metastatic melanoma or are not receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatment outcomes for patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data suggests that similar approaches using gut microbiota have shown promise in enhancing cancer treatment responses, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koh, Andrew — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Koh, Andrew
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.