Understanding Colon Cancer Growth in Obese Patients
Engineered Colon Cancer Tissue to Examine the Role of the Obese Microenvironment in Tumor Aggressiveness
This project explores how obesity affects the growth and behavior of colon cancer cells to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11131100 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to understand how obesity affects colon cancer growth and progression. Researchers will create advanced lab models using colon cancer cells taken from patients. These models will mimic the environment found in obese individuals, including factors like inflammation and insulin resistance, to see how it changes the cancer cells and the surrounding tissue. The goal is to uncover the specific ways obesity influences tumor development and progression, which could lead to new treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for patients with colon cancer, especially those who also live with obesity, as it seeks to understand the unique aspects of their disease.
Not a fit: Patients without colon cancer or those whose cancer progression is not linked to obesity may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how obesity drives colon cancer, paving the way for new treatments or prevention strategies tailored for patients with obesity.
How similar studies have performed: The abstract indicates that current patient-specific models for investigating obesity-linked changes in the colon cancer microenvironment do not yet exist, suggesting this approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
Auburn, UNITED STATES
- Auburn University at Auburn — Auburn, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lipke, Elizabeth a — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Lipke, Elizabeth a
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.