Research Type: Colorectal Cancer
Project Description
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death globally with increasing incidence in the developing world and a frightening trend towards earlier onset. CRC is strongly associated with environmental, lifestyle and dietary factors. Dr. Garrett’s research explores the interaction between diet and gut microbiota to identify new targets for CRC treatment and prevention.
They hypothesize that the role of gut bacteria in responsiveness to immunotherapies might reflect immune differences that can be used to promote effective anti-tumor immunity via diet. They will use human gut microbiome data from cancer patients, mouse models of CRC, immunotherapies, and specially designed diets to study this issue. The goal of this research is to safely, successfully, and rapidly apply these findings for cancer prevention and to aid in cancer treatment, with an initial focus on colorectal cancer.
