Supported Research

Prostate 2 Project

The “Prostate 2” project will build on the initial pilot study on adenocarcinoma of the prostate.  The pilot study suggests that an organism or types of organisms may be found in prostate cancer samples.  In this study we propose to assay large numbers of pathology verified tumor samples and work with a nationally recognized institution for an interventional therapeutic trial arm.

Population(s) Served:    Males diagnosed with prostate cancer

Budget: $850,000

Cardiovascular 2 Project

Our previous research in arterial plaque and vascular debris suggests that microbes play a previously under appreciated role in cardiovascular disease.  The “Cardiovascular 2” project will recruit patients through international institutions to establish a global picture of microbes present within cardiovascular disease.  The research will focus on profiling the microbial communities within coronary arterial plaque using fresh cadaveric or recent atheroctomy samples.

Population(s) Served:    Patients with coronary arterial plaque

Budget: $850,000

Neurovascular 2 Project

Inflammatory neurologic illnesses, including MS, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease, are of particular interest based on the results of our pilot studies; whereby, DNA sequencing suggests a role for various microbial communities.  The prior studies were performed on peripheral blood; therefore, this study will assay the microbial communities present in post-mortem cerebrovascular blood vessels.  Like our other planned studies, a treatment arm will include a subset of ALS patients and a novel antimicrobial treatment based on the sequence findings.

Population(s) Served:    Patients with MS, ALS, or Parkinson’s Diseases

Budget: $850,000

Gulf War Syndrome Project

More than 30% of Gulf War veterans have been diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome.  Our initial research suggests that exposure to a non-viral microbe, common in the desert soils in the Middle East, may correlate with the symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome.  The “Gulf War Syndrome” study includes serial blood and pulmonary sampling in an attempt to detect the presence of microbes and/or toxins.  An interventional treatment arm, of selected patients, may include surveillance and outcomes over 12-18 months.  This study is expected to include participation from the Veterans Affairs and the Los Alamos National Research Laboratories.

Population(s) Served:    Veterans with symptoms of Gulf War Veterans Syndrome

Budget: $850,000