Improving cancer treatment by enhancing immune responses through gut bacteria.
Official title: Modulating Human Microbiome Function to Enhance Immune Responses Against Cancer
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11057321 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut can help your immune system fight cancer better, especially for those getting immunotherapy, and it hopes to find ways to personalize treatments based on your unique gut bacteria to improve your results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $179,988 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA290426-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057321 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy who may have variable responses to treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving immunotherapy or those with conditions unrelated to cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the gut microbiome affects the immune system's ability to fight cancer, particularly in patients receiving immunotherapy. By analyzing the composition and function of gut bacteria, the study aims to identify specific microbial species that can enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The approach includes both human studies and animal models to explore how these bacteria influence immune responses and tumor control. Patients may benefit from personalized therapies that leverage their unique microbiome profiles to improve treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by tailoring therapies based on individual microbiome profiles.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in enhancing cancer treatment responses through microbiome modulation, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
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Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sonnenburg, Justin L — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Sonnenburg, Justin L
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.