Using gut bacteria to reduce mental side effects of chemotherapy
Official title: Fecal microbial transplantation for chemotherapy behavioral side effects
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11012861 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a treatment called fecal microbial transplantation can help improve the mood and thinking skills of breast cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy, by exploring how gut bacteria might affect their mental health during treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $601,697 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA287261-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012861 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing mental side effects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) can help alleviate the mental side effects experienced by patients undergoing chemotherapy. It aims to understand the relationship between gut bacteria and behavioral changes caused by chemotherapy, which can significantly impact patients' quality of life. The study will involve both animal models and a pilot clinical trial with breast cancer patients to assess the effectiveness of FMT in improving cognitive and emotional well-being during treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option to improve the mental health and quality of life for chemotherapy patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using gut microbiota to influence behavior, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pyter, Leah M — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Pyter, Leah M
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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.