Platform for Innovative Microbiome and Translational Research

The Platform for Innovative Microbiome and Translational Research (PRIME-TR) seeks to apply microbiome-based applications as a complement to cancer treatments and prevention methods.

The collection of microbes living in and on the human body, collectively known as the microbiome, can impact cancer development, progression and response to therapy in ways that are not fully understood. Additionally, factors that impact the microbiome, such as diet or therapeutic regimen, can have a downstream effect on how the person’s immune system continues to respond to disease. Clarifying interactions between the microbiome, patient and environmental factors provides an opportunity to improve cancer treatment strategies, but requires a multi-faceted research approach.

PRIME-TR strives to do so by building a robust framework that enables a concerted effort for translational research by leveraging existing resources at our institution and by developing programs and relationships to enable and support high-impact, microbiome-based profiling and interventional trials. The ultimate goal is to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies for cancer patients and the at-risk population.