OPTIMISTICC
Opportunity To Investigate the Microbiome’s Impact on Science and Treatment In Colorectal Cancer
We are an international team working together to understand the colorectal cancer microbiome: what it is, how it is associated with cancer, and what treatments will affect the microbiome to promote health.
Our objectives are to:
- Map the colorectal cancer microbiome
- Develop microbiome-targeted therapies for colorectal cancer
- Share and disseminate our findings
Be Curious about Bowel Cancer
Advocate John Barnes joined Leeds University, Dr. Susan Richman and Dr. Phil Quirke for the 2nd Annual Be Curious event on bowel cancer.
We are our microbes!
Watch the video that explains what the microbiome is and the importance in colorectal cancer. This video was a collaboration between team OPTIMISTICC patient advocates and researchers. Get ready to learn and ENJOY!
Watch the OPTIMISTICC Webinar
A series of informal conversations between the OPTIMISTICC researchers and patient advocates discussing the role of the gut microbiome in human health and disease and its association with colorectal cancer.
This webinar is a collaboration between Colorectal Cancer Canada, the OPTIMISTICC team, and the Cancer Research UK Cancer Grand Challenges.
What’s new
Congratulations Dr. Caroline Young
Dr. Caroline Young from Dr. Phil Quirke’s lab in Leeds gave the CL Oakley Lecture for the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland and was awarded the Oakley lecture medal.
Congratulations to Dr. Avery Robinson and Dr. Jacob Wilde, from Emma Allen-Vercoe’s lab on successfully defending their PhD theses.
Though strong evidence suggests the gut microbiota contributes to colorectal cancer (CRC) onset and/or progression, there is no universal signature...
Kimmie Ng and Marios Giannakis publish a perspective “A Common Cancer at an Uncommon Age”
By 2030 colorectal cancer will be the leading cause of cancer deaths in individuals aged 20-49. Young-onset CRC differs from average age...
Our Funders
Optimisticc is a Cancer Grand Challenges team funded by Cancer Research UK.

Team member host institutions









