Improving cancer treatment by enhancing immune responses through gut bacteria.

Modulating Human Microbiome Function to Enhance Immune Responses Against Cancer

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11057321

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11057321 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy who may have variable responses to treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving immunotherapy or those with conditions unrelated to cancer may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Stanford, 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.
Conditions Animal Cancer Modelanti-cancer immunotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.