The Optimisticc team is supported through the Cancer Grand Challenges initiative. Learn more here

WP1: The Microbiome in colorectal cancer risk

We are analyzing the microbiome of 3000 bowel tumors, to determine the relationship between the bacteria within tumors and their mutations. We have analyzed the microbiome of over 2288 bowel cancer screening samples. Our results suggest that the microbiome can improve screening accuracy. We are now successfully collecting samples from Chile, Argentina, India, and Vietnam and have demonstrated that transportation does not adversely affect it. We have found commonality of the bacteria in the microbiome of people with bowel tumors irrespective of country of origin. We are recruiting 500 individuals with hereditary colon cancer to collect stool and general information about risk factors. We are conducting a study of 2500 patients currently undergoing a screening colonoscopy to define the relationship between mucosal bacteria and fecal bacteria. We have a variety of mouse models to test the effect of specific bacteria or communities of bacteria on the formation of colon tumors.

Work Package Leaders

Philip Quirke, BM, PhD, FRCPath, FRCSEd (ad hominem), FFPath (Hon), RCPI, FMedSci

Philip Quirke, BM, PhD, FRCPath, FRCSEd (ad hominem), FFPath (Hon), RCPI, FMedSci

Co-Investigator, University of Leeds

  • Yorkshire Cancer Research Centenary Professor of Pathology
  • Honorary Consultant Histopathologist, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
Cynthia Sears, MD

Cynthia Sears, MD

Co-Investigator, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health

Professor of Medicine, Oncology, and Molecular Microbiology & Immunology

John Barnes

John Barnes

Patient Advocate

I am a bowel cancer survivor.  In 2000, I was diagnosed with a Dukes stage 2 bowel cancer in transverse colon following an emergency presentation with a rectal haemorrhage. 

Meet John

Learn about other Work Packages

WP 2: Epidemiological correlates of the colorectal cancer microbiome

WP 2: Epidemiological correlates of the colorectal cancer microbiome

WP2: Epidemiological correlates of the colorectal cancer microbiomeColorectal cancer (CRC) most often occurs sporadically (as compared to genetic forms of the disease) and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Environmental factors contribute...

WP 4: Model systems to study the colorectal cancer microbiome

WP 4: Model systems to study the colorectal cancer microbiome

WP4: Model systems to study the colorectal cancer microbiomeThe Clevers lab has been using their human ‘mini-gut’ technology. These mini guts (a.k.a. intestinal organoids) are grown in a dish from healthy gut stem cells. They can be expanded indefinitely and create...

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