Using gut bacteria to reduce mental side effects of chemotherapy

Fecal microbial transplantation for chemotherapy behavioral side effects

['FUNDING_R01'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11012861

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11012861 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing mental side effects.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using gut microbiota to influence behavior, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer therapy, autism spectral disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Autistic Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.