Understanding bacteria in cervical cancer to improve treatment
Official title: Targeting tumoral Lactobacillus iners to improve outcomes in cervical cancers
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11117134 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $648,677 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA285794-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117134 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Future patients with locally advanced cervical cancer who experience treatment resistance may ultimately benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting tumor Lactobacillus iners to help cervical cancer patients
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.
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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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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.
-
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.