Microbiome clues to better radiation response in a rare skin lymphoma
Official title: Microbial Drivers of Radiation Resistance and Large Cell Transformation in Mycosis Fungoides and Sezary Syndrome
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11391466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying skin lymphoma CTCL to see how the gut and skin bacteria might influence how well radiation therapy works for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $234,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI200485-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391466 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), including those with large cell transformation and those planned for radiation therapy, may be eligible.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CTCL or without planned radiation therapy may not benefit from these findings or interventions.
What this research studies
This project will examine bacterial communities and their virulence features in CTCL patients, comparing cases with large cell transformation and those who respond differently to radiation. By analyzing along with tumor gene activity and immune markers, the study aims to reveal how the microbiome may shape the tumor environment and treatment response. The goal is to translate these findings into microbiome-targeted strategies that could improve radiation effectiveness for people with CTCL. The work uses a prospective patient cohort and integrates sequencing and tissue analysis to connect microbial signals with oncogenic pathways and immune contexture.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to microbiome-based approaches that enhance radiation response and extend survival for CTCL patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked microbiome features to cancer progression and therapy response, but this study is among the first to connect microbial factors with radiation resistance in CTCL.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Pamela Blair — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Allen, Pamela Blair
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how skin cancer-associated fibroblasts affect immune detection in early mycosis fungoides
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Identifying a new marker for early diagnosis of a skin cancer called mycosis fungoides
This study is looking at a specific marker in the skin cells of people with early-stage mycosis fungoides, a type of skin cancer, to help doctors find it more easily and provide better treatment for patients.
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Visible-light activated hypericin ointment for mycosis fungoides
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Understanding how certain cells in skin tumors affect immune response in mycosis fungoides
This study is looking at how certain cells in the skin, called cancer-associated fibroblasts, behave in patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides, a type of skin lymphoma, to help us understand how they might affect the disease and find new ways to treat it.
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Poteligeo (mogamulizumab) for adults with mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome
This project will try Poteligeo (mogamulizumab) in adults with mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome who have had at least one prior systemic therapy to see how safe and effective it is in routine care in Korea.
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Golidocitnib treatment for relapsed indolent T/NK-cell lymphomas
This study is testing if a new oral medication called Golidocitnib can help people with relapsed indolent T/NK-cell lymphomas feel better after other treatments haven't worked.
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.