How gut bacteria change common chemotherapy drugs
Metabolism of cancer chemotherapeutics by the human gut microbiome
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11212154
This work looks at whether gut bacteria alter how fluoropyrimidine drugs like 5-FU and capecitabine work or cause side effects for people treated for colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11212154 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how human gut bacteria and the genes they carry chemically modify 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and its prodrug capecitabine using lab-based biochemical tests. They will introduce defined human gut microbes into germ-free (gnotobiotic) mice and use mice bearing human tumor grafts to measure drug levels, tumor response, and toxicity. The team will identify the specific bacterial species and enzymes responsible, with a focus on the Anaerostipes genus suggested by preliminary data. Results aim to link bacterial metabolism to differences in drug absorption and effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer receiving or about to receive 5-FU or capecitabine are the patients most likely to benefit from the findings.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not treated with fluoropyrimidines or whose care is unrelated to gut microbiome effects are unlikely to get direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help predict who will respond to fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy and lead to microbiome-based strategies to reduce side effects and improve effectiveness.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior human and animal studies have linked gut bacteria to chemotherapy effects, but detailed mechanistic and preclinical mouse data remain limited, so this work builds on suggestive preliminary findings.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- 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
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.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents