Investigating how the oral microbiome affects fatigue in breast cancer patients
Official title: Exploring the Relationship Between the Oral Microbiome and Fatigue in Individuals with Breast Cancer: A Longitudinal Study
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10993879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the mouth might affect tiredness in people with breast cancer during chemotherapy, hoping to find ways to help manage that fatigue better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31CA294598-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing significant fatigue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with breast cancer or those who do not experience fatigue may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between the oral microbiome and fatigue in individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. It aims to understand how changes in the oral microbiome during chemotherapy may influence fatigue levels and overall physical well-being. By analyzing the oral microbiomes of breast cancer patients over time, the study seeks to identify potential biological mechanisms that contribute to fatigue, which is a common and debilitating symptom for these individuals. The findings could lead to tailored interventions to help manage fatigue more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that lead to improved management of fatigue in breast cancer patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the relationship between the oral microbiome and fatigue is still being explored, preliminary studies suggest that similar approaches have shown promise in understanding fatigue in other conditions, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slack, Julia — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Slack, Julia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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-
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-
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This study is looking at how changes in energy production in your cells might be causing fatigue for breast cancer patients like you who are undergoing chemotherapy with anthracycline drugs, and it aims to find ways to help manage that tiredness better.
-
Exploring how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia affects sleep and fatigue in breast cancer patients
This study is looking at how different amounts of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) can help breast cancer patients sleep better and feel less tired during the day, with the goal of improving their overall well-being.
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.