Oral cancer recurrence predictor using tumor microbes and gene activity
Official title: Analysis of TME-microbe spatial relationship and gene expression to predict recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11591548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how bacteria and immune signals inside oral cancer tumors relate to whether the cancer comes back, with the aim of making a practical risk predictor for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 24, 2026 |
| Project end | August 23, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $656,545 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE036400-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11591548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, especially those undergoing biopsy or surgical treatment, who consent to tumor analysis and data sharing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not show the identified microbial or molecular patterns may not benefit from the predictive panel.
What this research studies
In patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, this project looks at the tumor’s microbes and the surrounding immune environment to identify patterns linked to recurrence. It combines tissue analysis, gene activity data, and bacterial gene information to create a multi-omics profile. A machine learning approach will assemble these data into a biomarker panel that predicts recurrence-free survival, and will test the panel in real-world patient samples from multiple institutions. The goal is a tool that clinicians can use to tailor treatment plans based on an individual patient’s tumor biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may receive more personalized treatment plans that reduce recurrence risk and improve long-term outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests the tumor microbiome and immune context influence cancer behavior, but this project seeks to integrate multi-omics into a validated predictive tool.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Carissa Michelle — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Carissa Michelle
Related research
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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.