Investigating the role of gut bacteria in oral cancer
Official title: Functional roles of the human microbiome and metabolome in oral cancer
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11052367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your mouth might affect the development and treatment of oral cancer, specifically in people who haven't started treatment yet, to help find new ways to prevent and treat this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $234,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE033826-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma who have not yet undergone treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of head and neck cancers or those who have already received treatment for OSCC may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how changes in the human microbiome, particularly in the oral cavity, may influence the development and treatment of head and neck cancer, specifically oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The study aims to identify specific microbial and metabolic signatures associated with OSCC in patients who have not yet received treatment. Additionally, it will examine whether transferring microbiota from OSCC patients to mouse models can promote tumor growth, helping to uncover the underlying mechanisms involved. By understanding these interactions, the research seeks to pave the way for new prevention and treatment strategies for oral cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative prevention and treatment options for patients with oral cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of the microbiome in cancer is an emerging field, this specific approach to studying its impact on oral cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frank, Daniel N — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Frank, Daniel N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Mobile platform using AI to screen for oral cancer in low-resource communities
A low-cost, AI-powered mobile tool helps frontline healthcare workers screen for oral cancer and triage patients in communities with limited access to specialists.
-
Endosomal signaling and cancer pain control in oral cancer
A study to understand how signals inside nerve cells and supportive cells contribute to pain in people with oral cancer.
-
Affordable AI-enabled point-of-care tool for quick oral cancer checks
A low-cost AI-powered imaging module helps clinicians screen for oral cancer at the point of care, especially in community and resource-limited settings.
-
How tissue stiffness affects oral cancer spread
A researcher at UC San Diego is studying how the stiffness of mouth tissue influences the behavior of oral cancer cells in people.
-
Intraoperative fluorescence lifetime imaging to guide oral cancer surgery
A surgeon-friendly imaging system uses fluorescence lifetime signals and real-time MRI/CT alignment to help remove only cancerous tissue during oral cancer operations.
-
Point-of-Care AI Image Tool for Early Oral Cancer Detection
A new, affordable AI-powered tool helps frontline clinicians screen for oral cancer early by using a low-cost imaging module at the point of care.
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.