Targeting tumor Lactobacillus iners to help cervical cancer patients
Official title: Targeting tumoral Lactobacillus iners to improve outcomes in cervical cancers
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11617041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant seeks to understand how a specific bacteria, Lactobacillus iners, in cervical tumors affects treatment and outcomes, with the goal of improving therapy for women with cervical cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $668,328 |
| NIH project number | 7R37CA285794-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11617041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are women with locally advanced cervical cancer who are undergoing standard treatment and consent to tumor microbiome studies.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not experience direct benefit if their tumor microbiome is not influenced by the studied bacteria or if new strategies prove ineffective for them.
What this research studies
Researchers at Duke University are studying how certain bacteria in cervical tumors may influence how cancers respond to standard treatments. By examining tumor microbiology and metabolism, they hope to identify new angles to improve effectiveness of current therapies. The project will explore how Lactobacillus iners is linked to resistance and poorer survival and test potential strategies to overcome it. Results could point toward new supportive approaches that complement existing chemoradiation for locally advanced cervical cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more effective treatments and better survival for women with cervical cancer by targeting tumor bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in other cancers suggests the tumor microbiome can influence treatment response, but this specific bacteria–cervical cancer link is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colbert, Lauren Elizabeth — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Colbert, Lauren Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Connecting communities and clinics to increase early breast and cervical cancer screening in Kenya
This project tries two community-plus-clinic programs to help women in Kenya get breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up care.
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Boosting early breast and cervical cancer screening in Kenyan communities
This project tests two combined community outreach and clinic-support programs to help women in Kenya get screened for breast and cervical cancer and receive timely follow-up.
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Understanding bacteria in cervical cancer to improve treatment
This project looks at a specific bacteria found in cervical tumors to find new ways to make treatments work better for women with cervical cancer.
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Improving early detection of breast and cervical cancers in Kenya
This study is working to help women in Kenya get better access to breast and cervical cancer screenings by connecting community resources and providing education, so they feel more informed and motivated to take care of their health.
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Improving cervical cancer outcomes by targeting specific bacteria
This study is looking at how a certain bacteria called Lactobacillus iners, found in cervical tumors, might make cervical cancer harder to treat, and it hopes to find new ways to help women with advanced cervical cancer live longer and healthier lives.
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Moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy after hysterectomy for cervical cancer
This study tests whether a shorter, moderately intensified radiotherapy course after surgery is safe and effective for patients with cervical cancer.
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.