Diet, Lifestyle, Gut Microbiome, and Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Our research group investigates how diet and lifestyle factors, alongside host immune responses and the gut microbiome, influence the development and survivorship of colorectal cancer. Our studies are grounded in three significant prospective cohort studies: the Nurses’ Health Study I and II, and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. These studies have tracked dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and colorectal cancer diagnoses over decades, with blood, stool, and tumor tissue samples collected from a subset of participants.

Building on the insights gained from these observational studies, we are conducting two biomarker-based clinical trials focused on omega-3 fatty acid treatment. These trials, supported by the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, involve colon cancer patients and individuals with a history of colorectal adenoma resection, allowing us to investigate causality and explore potential clinical applications.

Additionally, we are participating in the Microbiome among Nurses Study (MICRO-N), which is the largest prospective collection of microbiome specimens from 25,000 individuals worldwide. By leveraging this extensive longitudinal data, we are exploring the intricate relationships between diet, lifestyle, and the gut microbiome in the context of colorectal cancer.