Can random biopsies improve colon cancer screening in inflammatory bowel disease
Official title: Utility of Random Biopsies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11392279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Doctors are testing whether taking random tissue samples during colonoscopy helps find precancerous changes in people with long-standing inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,624,225 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK138901-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with long-standing inflammatory bowel disease undergoing surveillance colonoscopy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with IBD not due for surveillance or those unwilling to undergo colonoscopy may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you have long-standing inflammatory bowel disease, a colonoscopy is used to catch precancerous changes early. This study will compare using random biopsies taken every 10 cm with targeted biopsies guided by what the doctor sees during HD white-light colonoscopy. Researchers will enroll participants at risk for a better understanding of whether random sampling adds value beyond targeted biopsies. The goal is to refine colonoscopy practices to reduce cancer risk while avoiding unnecessary procedures. Participation could involve regular colonoscopy and tissue sampling under standard safety protocols.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could improve cancer surveillance practices and potentially prevent cancer or catch it earlier in people with IBD.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior data suggest targeted biopsies may be as effective as random sampling, but results are not definitive.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, James D — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Lewis, James D
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.