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
Future Leaders Conference
OPTIMISTICC Trainees Attend CGC Future Leaders Conference in Barcelona From Nov. 2-4, 2022, 14 OPTIMISTICC trainees joined members of other Cancer...
Importance of Patient Engagement in Research
In a recent editorial Laura Porter discusses the importance of patient engagement in research in a publication titled The Importance of Patient...
Western Diet and CRC
In a recent publication Kota Arima and other OPTIMISTICC team members published a paper Western-Style Diet, pks Island-Carrying Escherichia coli,...
Our Funders
Optimisticc is a Cancer Grand Challenges team funded by Cancer Research UK.

Team member host institutions









