The human microbiome contains trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that play an important role in the progression or slowing of many diseases. Over the years, researchers at the University have been hard at work in unraveling its role in cancer.
Elizabeth Aby, M.D., a third-year gastroenterology and hepatology fellow at the U, is especially interested in how the microbiome impacts the ability of patients to respond to therapies for advanced liver cancer. With Masonic support, Aby and her colleagues are collecting data on the microbiome of patients with this disease with the goal of better tailoring therapies based on the patient’s microbial profile.
“It means a lot to receive support from Minnesota Masonic Charities for my research project. I would not have the ability to be engaged in this research without it.”