How radiation changes immune cells and gut microbes in colorectal cancer
Radiation Effect on Immune Cells and the Microbiome
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11189687
This project looks at how radiation affects immune cells and the gut microbiome in people with colorectal cancer to learn how those changes help or hurt treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11189687 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be asked to provide blood, stool, and possibly tumor samples before, during, and after radiation treatment for colorectal cancer. Researchers will use detailed lab tests, including single-cell analyses, to track which immune cells survive or are lost and how gut microbes change over time. The team will link those changes to blood counts, immune function, and cancer outcomes to find patterns. Results aim to point to ways to protect immune health and improve how well radiation works.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with colorectal cancer who are scheduled to receive or are receiving radiation therapy would be the main candidates for participation.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer or those not receiving radiation would not be expected to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help personalize radiation to protect immune cells and the microbiome, potentially improving cancer control and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show radiation can both stimulate anti-cancer immunity and cause immune damage and that the microbiome relates to outcomes, but combining high-resolution immune cell and microbiome profiling during radiation is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SANTAMBROGIO, LAURA — WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- Study coordinator: SANTAMBROGIO, LAURA
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.