Improving colorectal cancer treatment by targeting the tumor environment
Official title: Targeting the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10914286 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a ketogenic diet and a substance called β-hydroxybutyrate might help make immunotherapy work better for people with colorectal cancer, especially those whose tumors aren't responding well to current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $380,262 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272669-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914286 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, especially those with microsatellite-stable tumors who have not responded to existing immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with colorectal cancer who have microsatellite instability-high tumors may not benefit from this research, as they typically respond better to current immunotherapy options.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a ketogenic diet and the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer, particularly in patients whose tumors do not respond well to current treatments. The study focuses on understanding how these dietary changes can alter the tumor microenvironment, which is known to suppress immune responses against cancer. By examining the effects on cancer-associated fibroblasts and other components of the tumor environment, the research aims to identify new strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, particularly those with tumors that are currently resistant to immunotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using ketogenic diets to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness in cancer models, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Qingding — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Wang, Qingding
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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.