Understanding how obesity affects colorectal cancer growth
Innate Immune Mechanisms Contributing to Cancer Growth in Obesity
This research explores how obesity might make colorectal cancer grow faster by changing how immune cells in the tumor behave.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118698 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Colorectal cancer is a serious health concern, and obesity is known to increase both the risk of developing it and the chances of a worse outcome. We want to understand why this happens by looking at how a high-fat diet, which leads to obesity, changes the environment around tumors. Specifically, we are focusing on certain immune cells called tumor-associated macrophages and a receptor on their surface, GPR65, which seems to dampen the immune response. Our goal is to discover if increased acidity in tumors of obese individuals activates GPR65, making these immune cells promote cancer growth instead of fighting it.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for anyone interested in how obesity impacts colorectal cancer and the role of the immune system.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this basic science research, as it is not a clinical trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat colorectal cancer in people who are obese by targeting specific immune pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies in mice have shown that colorectal cancer grows faster in obese mice and that blocking GPR65 can slow tumor growth, suggesting this is a promising area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Engleman, Edgar G. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Engleman, Edgar G.
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.