Understanding bacteria in cervical cancer to improve treatment
Targeting tumoral Lactobacillus iners to improve outcomes in cervical cancers
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11117134 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cervical cancer is a serious health concern, especially for underserved communities, and current treatments don't always work for everyone. Many women with advanced cervical cancer still face relapse and death, even after standard chemotherapy and radiation. This research focuses on a bacteria called Lactobacillus iners, which has been found in cervical tumors and seems to make them resistant to treatment. By understanding how this bacteria changes tumor metabolism, we hope to discover new strategies to overcome treatment resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future patients with locally advanced cervical cancer who experience treatment resistance may ultimately benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without cervical cancer or those whose tumors do not exhibit this specific bacterial influence may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that make current cervical cancer treatments more effective and improve survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have performed: This approach of targeting specific bacteria within tumors to improve cancer treatment is a novel strategy, building on recent discoveries about the tumor microbiome.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colbert, Lauren Elizabeth — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Colbert, Lauren Elizabeth
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 below.