TROPHIC

• Overall objectives 

Nearly half of cancer patients are malnourished, which significantly impairs their health and quality of life by increasing the risk of adverse effects from treatment and death. The integrity of the intestinal wall is key to nutrient absorption and maintaining nutritional status. This integrity depends on complex interactions between the intestinal mucosa, food, and the gut microbiota. These interactions are severely disrupted in malnourished patients and by chemotherapy treatments.

The TROPHIC project aims to better understand the mechanisms regulating the integrity of the intestinal wall and to identify microorganisms and metabolites capable of restoring this integrity in a context of malnutrition and chemotherapy treatment, thereby identifying drug candidates to improve the nutritional management of patients.

• Scientific and societal issues

On a scientific level, TROPHIC aims to go beyond simple observations to demonstrate how certain intestinal microorganisms and their compounds can directly influence intestinal repair and function. The project combines the study of patient samples, in vivo experimental models, and advanced cell cultures called organoids to identify specific mechanisms and isolate microorganisms that have beneficial effects on maintaining the structure and function of the intestinal wall.

On a societal level, improving the nutritional care of cancer patients is a major public health issue. By identifying levers for action related to the microbiota, TROPHIC could help improve treatment tolerance, promote nutritional recovery and, ultimately, improve patients’ quality of life and health.

• Project focuses

The TROPHIC project focuses on three main axes:

1. Gaining a better understanding of changes in the microbiota and intestinal function in cancer patients and in experimental models, particularly in situations of malnutrition and chemotherapy.
2. Identifying and isolating key microorganisms and molecules involved in the protection and regeneration of the intestinal mucosa.
3. Testing and selecting drug candidates in preclinical models with a controlled microbiota similar to that of patients.