Investigating how gut bacteria can enhance immune response against liver cancer
Official title: Mechanistic studies of gut microbiota-mediated immune activation against hepatocellular cancer
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11076418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut can help treat liver cancer by using a special mouse model, and it hopes to find ways to boost the immune system and improve treatment results for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $474,805 |
| NIH project number | 7R01CA250536-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hepatocellular cancer who may benefit from enhanced immune therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have hepatocellular cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of gut microbiota in the treatment of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) by using a novel mouse model that mimics human disease. The study examines how an antibiotic cocktail can influence the immune response and tumor growth in HCC. By restoring the function of specific immune cells and enriching beneficial gut bacteria, the research aims to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with liver cancer. The findings could lead to new strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with hepatocellular cancer by enhancing their immune response.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in manipulating gut microbiota to improve cancer treatment outcomes, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Staveley-O'carroll, Kevin Finnbar — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Staveley-O'carroll, Kevin Finnbar
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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.