Understanding how gut and tumor bacteria affect brain cancer

Elucidating the Role of the Gut and Tumor Microbiome in Malignant Glioma

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10814308

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10814308 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with malignant gliomas, particularly glioblastoma.

Not a fit: Patients with non-malignant brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.