How gut bacteria affect checkpoint inhibitor success in lung cancer
Metabolite driven mechanisms by which gut microbes impact checkpoint inhibitor success in non-small cell lung cancer patients
This research explores how the bacteria in your gut might influence how well a type of lung cancer treatment, called immune checkpoint inhibitors, works for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11103324 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are powerful treatments for cancer, but they don't work for everyone. We believe that the bacteria living in your gut might play a role in how effective these treatments are, especially for non-small cell lung cancer. Our team is looking closely at samples from patients over time to understand which specific gut bacteria and their byproducts are linked to better treatment responses. By understanding these connections, we hope to find new ways to make these life-saving cancer therapies more successful.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is particularly relevant for patients with non-small cell lung cancer who are receiving or will receive immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for non-small cell lung cancer would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies, such as modifying gut bacteria, to improve the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors for lung cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: While preliminary studies suggest a link between gut bacteria and immune checkpoint inhibitor success, this research aims to address inconsistencies and refine our understanding with more detailed, longitudinal data.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaikh, Fyza Y — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Shaikh, Fyza Y
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.