Investigating how gut health affects bladder cancer in older adults
Official title: Role of Gut-Immune Interactions in Aging-Associated Bladder Cancer
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10928078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the gut and immune system work together and how that might affect bladder cancer in older adults, using mice to see how age changes things and what that means for better treatments for older patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $162,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K22CA270075-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with bladder cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have bladder cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between gut-immune interactions and bladder cancer, particularly in older adults. It examines how aging influences the gut microbiome and inflammation, which may contribute to the development and progression of bladder cancer. By using a mouse model, researchers will compare the effects of a carcinogen on young and older mice to understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to more aggressive tumors in the elderly. The findings aim to provide insights that could improve treatment strategies for bladder cancer in older patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment options and outcomes for elderly patients with bladder cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While there is existing research on gut microbiome and cancer, this specific investigation into bladder cancer in older adults is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woolbright, Benjamin Leland — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Woolbright, Benjamin Leland
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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.