NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding how gut microbes affect cancer treatment responses

Official title: Defining novel mechanisms of microbiota in regulating anti-tumor responses

Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10865828 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect cancer growth and how well certain treatments work, especially immunotherapies, to help find new ways to improve cancer care for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$138,240
NIH project number1K99CA290052-01
Project IDNIH-10865828 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy who may benefit from tailored microbiota interventions.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not receiving immunotherapy may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of gut microbiota in cancer progression and treatment responses, particularly focusing on how these microbes can influence the effectiveness of immunotherapies. By exploring the interactions between the microbiota and the immune system, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that either promote tumor growth or enhance anti-tumor immunity. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new strategies for manipulating gut microbes to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments by targeting gut microbiota.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in manipulating microbiota to improve cancer treatment responses, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lyu, Mengze — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
  • Study coordinator: Lyu, Mengze

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.