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
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Read our advocate stories to learn more about the signs and symptoms of colorectal 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
Mr. Barry D Stein received the 2021 Canadian Cancer Research Alliance’s award for Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research.
Barry is the President and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada and a patient advocate on our OPTIMISTICC team. He received this award for his tireless...
Metatranscriptomics (“MTX”) is a powerful method for measuring microbial gene expression
Metatranscriptomics (abbreviated "MTX") is a powerful method for measuring the gene expression (functional activity) of many members of a microbial...
BRAF mutation changes the characteristics of colorectal cancers in a mouse model
In a recent publication, the Sears lab showed that introduction of the BRAFV600E mutation into mice colonized with enterotoxigenic Bacteroides...

Our Sponsor
OPTIMISTICC is a Cancer Grand Challenges team funded by Cancer Research UK.
Our Partners









