Better screening for anal cancer in people at higher risk
Screening Strategies Among High-Risk Populations for Anal Cancer
This project looks for biological and immune signals that could spot early precancerous changes in people at high risk for anal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11401675 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are at higher risk for anal cancer because of persistent high-risk HPV, past high-grade anogenital disease, or immune problems, researchers will invite you to enrolled clinics for exams and sample collection. They will collect local tissue or swabs and medical and lifestyle information across multiple sites and follow participants over time. Lab teams will study DNA methylation patterns and local immune profiles in the tissue and combine this with environmental data to find markers that predict whether precancerous lesions will progress or clear. The hope is to use these markers to guide more timely screening and personalized care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at elevated risk for anal cancer—such as those with persistent high-risk HPV infection, a history of high-grade anogenital disease, or chronic immune suppression—are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People without anal cancer risk factors or those unwilling to provide tissue/samples and attend follow-up visits are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help detect precancerous anal lesions earlier and target who needs treatment versus watchful waiting.
How similar studies have performed: Research in HPV-related anogenital cancers suggests methylation and immune markers can signal cancer risk, but applying these markers specifically to anal aHSIL is relatively new and still being tested.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flowers, Lisa C. — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Flowers, Lisa C.
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.