The role of gut bacteria in cancer treatment outcomes for kidney cancer patients

Gut Microbiome and Cancer Immunotherapy Outcomes in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11060888

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might influence how well immunotherapy works for people with advanced kidney cancer, aiming to find out which gut bacteria can help predict treatment success and side effects, so doctors can better personalize care for each patient.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11060888 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the gut microbiome affects the outcomes of immunotherapy in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). By analyzing gut bacteria profiles before treatment, the study aims to identify specific bacterial species and pathways that correlate with patient responses to immunotherapy, including both positive outcomes and adverse effects. The research will also explore how changes in the gut microbiome during treatment relate to T-cell activation and overall patient survival. This could help tailor immunotherapy approaches to individual patients based on their gut microbiome composition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced renal cell carcinoma who are eligible for immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage renal cell carcinoma or those not receiving immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized immunotherapy strategies that improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects for kidney cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut microbiome's influence on cancer treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.