Dr. LeVees pioneering research focuses on the potential for gut microbiome compositions to predict and enhance responses to immunotherapy for patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) a challenging and aggressive form of breast cancer.

The $50000 grant is awarded to early career U.S. based researchers investigating the influence of gut microbiota on human health. This marks the eighth year the Foundation has awarded the grant totaling $400,000 in support of innovative microbiome research across fields such as oncology neurology and metabolic disorders.

This Biocodex Microbiota Foundation grant will significantly advance our ability to explore the microbiomes complex interactions with the immune system Dr. LeVee said. With this support we at City of Hope can delve deeper into how specific gut bacteria may optimize immunotherapy responses for breast cancer patients potentially leading to more precise and effective treatment approaches.

Marie Emmanuelle LeGuern Chairman of the Biocodex Microbiota Foundation remarked on the importance of this years grant We are honored to support Dr. LeVees groundbreaking work which exemplifies the transformative potential of microbiome research. By advancing our understanding of the microbiomes role in cancer treatment we are one step closer to realizing innovative microbiota-based solutions that improve patient care and outcomes.

The Foundation also runs and helps establish programs to improve our understanding of microbiota and disseminates this knowledge as widely as possible including in scientific communities and via public projects aimed at improving human health.

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/city-of-hopes-dr-alexis-levee-awarded-biocodex-microbiota-foundations-2024-usa-national-research-grant-302326628.html