Best ages for colonoscopy to catch colorectal cancer in people with colitis
Mathematical Optimization of Surveillance Ages to Intercept colitis-associated Colorectal cancer (MOSAIC)
This project uses math, genetic information, and tissue data to find the right ages for colonoscopies so people with inflammatory bowel disease can catch colorectal cancer earlier while avoiding unnecessary procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11130910 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, the team will combine medical records, colonoscopy findings, biopsy samples, and genetic data from Veterans with colitis to build computer models of cancer risk over time. They will use those models to map how cells change and when early cancers are most likely to appear. The project aims to create personalized timelines that show when surveillance colonoscopies are most likely to find treatable problems. Results will be checked against real-world VA data to make the recommendations reliable for people in VA care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans with inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon (IBD colitis) who receive care in the VA system and can share medical records and biopsy samples.
Not a fit: People without IBD, those with other non-colitis colorectal risks, or patients outside the VA system may not benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, people with IBD could get fewer unnecessary colonoscopies and have a better chance of catching colorectal cancer at an early, treatable stage.
How similar studies have performed: Current surveillance intervals were based on limited evidence and personalized, molecularly informed timing is a newer approach with little prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- VA San Diego Healthcare System — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Curtius, Kathleen M. — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Curtius, Kathleen M.
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 below.