How Gut Bacteria Influence Prostate Cancer Treatment
Defining the Mechanistic Basis of Bacterial Androgen Production in Dampening Anti-Tumor Immunity and Promoting Resistance to Androgen Receptor Axis-Targeted Therapies for Metastatic Prostate Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11124826
This project explores how bacteria in the gut might make prostate cancer treatments less effective for men with advanced disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11124826 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We know that the bacteria living in our gut can influence how well cancer treatments work, including those for prostate cancer. This project aims to discover the specific ways these gut bacteria might produce hormones called androgens. These androgens could then interfere with therapies designed to block androgen receptors, which are important for prostate cancer growth. By understanding this connection, we hope to find new ways to make current prostate cancer treatments more powerful.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for men with advanced prostate cancer, especially those whose disease has become resistant to standard androgen-blocking treatments or immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or other types of cancer not related to androgen receptor pathways may not directly benefit from this specific line of 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 existing prostate cancer therapies and overcome treatment resistance.
How similar studies have performed: While the general link between the microbiome and cancer therapy is being explored, this specific mechanism of bacterial androgen production affecting prostate cancer treatment resistance is a novel and less understood area.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SFANOS, KAREN SANDELL — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SFANOS, KAREN SANDELL
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: Brittle Diabetes Mellitus