Using special gels to improve cancer treatment by changing gut bacteria
Biomaterials for modulating the gut microbiome for immune activation
This study is testing a new oral gel made from inulin that aims to help cancer patients by improving the effectiveness of their immunotherapy treatments while reducing side effects, all by targeting the good bacteria in their gut.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082297 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing cancer immunotherapy by developing an oral gel that targets the gut microbiome. The gel, made from inulin, aims to improve the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) while minimizing side effects. By modulating the gut bacteria in patients, the researchers hope to boost the immune response against tumors. The study employs advanced techniques from pharmaceutics, bioengineering, and immunology to explore how this gel can positively influence cancer treatment outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are receiving or considering immune checkpoint blocker therapies.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing cancer treatment or those who do not have a response to immune checkpoint blockers may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in using gut microbiome modulation to enhance cancer immunotherapy, indicating that this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moon, James J. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Moon, James J.
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.