How gut bacteria and a 'primed' colon may drive colon polyps

The gut microbiome, interactions with primed colon states, and effects on adenoma formation and progression

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · NIH-11412577

This project looks at whether certain gut bacteria together with molecular changes in the colon make people more likely to develop colon polyps, especially for those at risk of colorectal cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorFRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11412577 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

From a patient's perspective, researchers will compare microbial DNA from people with different kinds of colon polyps and use special germ‑free (gnotobiotic) mice to see how those microbes affect polyp formation. They'll combine detailed metagenomic analysis with statistical methods to understand how a 'primed' colon (molecular changes that make the colon more vulnerable) and specific bacteria interact. The team will analyze samples from a unique human cohort to find microbial patterns linked to aggressive versus slow-growing adenomas. The long-term aim is to translate these findings into microbiome‑based prevention strategies to lower the risk of adenomas and colorectal cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with a history of colorectal adenomas or people undergoing colonoscopy who can provide stool and tissue samples for analysis.

Not a fit: People without colon conditions or who cannot provide the required biological samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new microbiome-based ways to prevent colon polyps and reduce colorectal cancer risk.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked gut bacteria to colon polyps, but turning those links into proven prevention strategies is still new and not yet established.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.