Blood test to predict colorectal cancer risk
Development of blood-based methylation biomarkers for CRC risk prediction
A blood test that looks for DNA methylation patterns to help predict colorectal cancer risk, especially among African American adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168788 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would provide a blood sample so researchers can look for a specific epigenetic signal called the Outlier Methylation Phenotype (OMP) that they previously found in colon tissue. The team will compare OMP signals in whole blood with those found in normal colorectal mucosa from people with and without colorectal cancer. The goal is to see if a less-invasive blood test can reliably flag people at higher risk, which could help guide who needs colonoscopy. The study focuses on addressing higher colorectal cancer rates in African American patients by checking whether OMP appears more often or more strongly in their blood samples.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults at risk for colorectal cancer or people diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with particular outreach to African American adults, are the most appropriate candidates for participation.
Not a fit: Children and people with no connection to colorectal cancer risk or screening needs are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a simple blood test that finds people at higher risk for colorectal cancer earlier and help reduce racial disparities in diagnosis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has linked the Outlier Methylation Phenotype (OMP) to colorectal cancer in tissue samples, but detecting OMP reliably in blood is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Temple Univ of the Commonwealth — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghosh, Jayashri — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Ghosh, Jayashri
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.