The oral microbiome and metabolism in oral cancer
Official title: Functional roles of the human microbiome and metabolome in oral cancer
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11194426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how the tiny living organisms in our mouths and their byproducts might contribute to oral 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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DE033826-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research involves studying biological samples from individuals with newly diagnosed oral squamous cell carcinoma and healthy volunteers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma or those who have already undergone treatment may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Oral cancer is a serious disease, and while we know some risk factors like smoking and HPV, we're still learning about others. This project looks closely at the bacteria and other microbes in the mouth, along with the chemicals they produce, to see how they might influence oral cancer development and how it responds to treatment. We aim to identify specific patterns in the oral microbiome and metabolome that are linked to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This involves studying samples from people with OSCC and healthy individuals, and then using these findings in laboratory models to understand the underlying biological processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat oral cancer by targeting the oral microbiome.
How similar studies have gone: While previous studies have hinted at a link between the microbiome and head and neck cancers, this project uses an innovative approach to deeply understand the functional roles and mechanisms involved.
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
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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.