Using gut bacteria to prevent melanoma from spreading to lymph nodes
Official title: Targeting the gut microbiome to inhibit melanoma lymph node metastases
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11080289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect the spread of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, to your lymph nodes, and it’s for patients who want to help researchers understand how changing gut bacteria could boost the immune system's ability to fight this cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $515,112 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA289456-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080289 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are melanoma patients, particularly those with early-stage disease who are at risk for lymph node metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with melanoma that has already metastasized extensively or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the gut microbiome affects the spread of melanoma, a serious skin cancer, to lymph nodes. The study aims to understand the relationship between gut bacteria and the immune response to melanoma, particularly how certain gut microbes may influence tumor growth and metastasis. By analyzing differences in gut microbiomes between early and late-stage melanoma patients, the researchers hope to identify ways to modify gut bacteria to enhance anti-tumor immunity and prevent lymph node metastasis. Patients may be involved in providing samples and data to help explore these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing melanoma from spreading, potentially improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that gut microbiome modulation can enhance immune responses in cancer treatment, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wargo, Jennifer a. — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wargo, Jennifer a.
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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.