The role of gut bacteria in pancreatic cancer development and progression
Official title: Microbial Dysbiosis in Pancreatic Cancer Initiation and Progression
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10893577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in gut bacteria might affect the development and growth of pancreatic cancer, and it’s inviting patients to help by sharing samples or information to better understand how these bacteria interact with tumors and could lead to better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $280,670 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA282374-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or those at high risk for developing the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in gut bacteria, known as microbial dysbiosis, may influence the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer. By examining the unique microbiome present in pancreatic tumors, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms through which these bacteria affect immune responses and tumor growth. The researchers will explore how pathogenic bacteria interact with pancreatic cells and alter the tumor microenvironment, potentially leading to more effective treatments. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help understand these interactions better.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microbiomes in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daley, Donnele — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Daley, Donnele
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.
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Targeting aberrant enhancer landscapes in pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing look at a project that aims to understand how pancreatic cancer changes its cell identity and what that means for treatment.
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A small study in children will look at whether antibiotic use and gut bacteria play a role in hives and related symptoms that children sometimes get after antibiotics.
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A new GI-directed treatment given after radiation exposure may reduce gut damage and improve survival in people exposed to high-dose radiation.
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A new GI-focused treatment to reduce radiation damage after exposure
A potential GI-targeted therapy given after radiation exposure may help protect the gut and improve survival in people affected by radiation injuries.
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.