Investigating how gut bacteria affect breast health and cancer
Official title: Roles of gut-breast axis in breast pathophysiology
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11067771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect breast health and cancer, hoping to find out if these tiny microbes can help us understand and improve treatment for breast cancer in both healthy people and those diagnosed with the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $188,169 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA288449-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with breast cancer as well as healthy individuals interested in breast health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have breast health concerns or those who are not interested in the role of gut microbiota in health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between gut bacteria and breast health, particularly how these microbes may influence cancer development and treatment outcomes. It aims to determine if a 'gut-breast axis' exists outside of pregnancy and how different bacteria may affect healthy individuals compared to those with breast cancer. By analyzing specific gut microbiotas from animal models, the study seeks to uncover the roles these bacteria play in either promoting or preventing tumor growth. The findings could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that harness the power of gut bacteria to improve breast cancer outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of the gut-breast axis is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of microbiota in cancer development.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Furuta, Saori — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Furuta, Saori
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.