Understanding how gut and tumor bacteria affect brain cancer
Official title: Elucidating the Role of the Gut and Tumor Microbiome in Malignant Glioma
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10814308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut and tumor might affect your immune system's response to treatments for glioblastoma, a tough type of brain cancer, and it hopes to find new ways to make these treatments work better for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $202,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS130323-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10814308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with malignant gliomas, particularly glioblastoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-malignant brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the gut and tumor microbiome in malignant gliomas, particularly glioblastoma. It aims to explore how these microbiomes influence the immune response to treatments like immunotherapy, which has shown limited success in treating this aggressive brain cancer. By examining the interactions between gut bacteria and the immune system, the study seeks to identify novel strategies to enhance treatment effectiveness and improve patient outcomes. Patients may be asked to provide stool samples and participate in assessments related to their microbiome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with glioblastoma, potentially enhancing their response to immunotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that microbiome modulation can enhance treatment responses in various cancers, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach in glioblastoma.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferguson, Sherise Desiree — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ferguson, Sherise Desiree
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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.