Investigating how gut bacteria affect treatment-resistant colorectal tumors
Microbiome-derived regulators of therapy-resistant colorectal tumors
This study is looking at how gut bacteria and their byproducts might affect colorectal cancer, especially in tough cases that don't respond well to current treatments, to find new ways to help people with late-stage cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10680364 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of gut bacteria and their metabolites in influencing colorectal cancer, particularly in tumors that are resistant to current therapies. By using advanced models called tumoroids, the team will assess how these bacterial-derived substances interact with tumor cells and potentially alter their behavior. The study aims to identify specific metabolites that could lead to new treatment strategies for late-stage colorectal cancer, which is often difficult to treat due to poor blood supply and oxygen levels. Through a combination of biological assays and multi-omic analysis, the researchers hope to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer who have not responded well to existing treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer or those whose tumors are not resistant to current therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that improve outcomes for patients with therapy-resistant colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of targeting microbiome interactions in cancer treatment is emerging, this specific approach using bacterial-derived metabolites is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Griffin, Timothy J. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Griffin, Timothy J.
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.