Creating a 3D map of colorectal cancer to understand its development across different ages.
Official title: A Multimodal 3D Atlas of Colorectal Cancer Across Ages of Onset
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10994992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how colorectal cancer develops in younger versus older patients by creating a detailed map of the disease, which could help us understand its biology better and lead to new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,063,411 |
| NIH project number | 1U01CA294527-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer, especially those who are younger than the typical age of onset.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with colorectal cancer who are older and do not have early-onset disease may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to build a detailed three-dimensional molecular atlas of colorectal cancer (CRC) that examines how the disease develops differently in younger and older patients. By analyzing the interactions between cancer-causing microbes and the tumor environment, the project seeks to identify unique molecular features associated with early-onset CRC. Advanced technologies will be used to visualize and map the progression of cancer within tumors, providing insights into how precancerous cells transition to malignant states. This comprehensive approach will help in understanding the disease's biology and potentially guide future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for colorectal cancer, particularly for younger patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of creating a 3D molecular atlas is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lau, Ken S — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Lau, Ken S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.
This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.
-
Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study
A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.
-
Ceramides and how they affect metabolism and colorectal cancer in adults
A study in adults with obesity-related health issues will explore how a fat-related molecule called ceramide influences metabolic problems and colorectal cancer risk.
-
Automated point-of-care DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer in LMICs
A fast, affordable blood test using DNA markers to help identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries.
-
Rewiring Colorectal Cancer to Harness Therapeutic Hyperactivation
A Yale team is exploring brain-storming new ways to treat colorectal cancer by safely boosting certain cancer signaling pathways to kill cancer cells and by reshaping cancer cell states to improve responses to existing therapies.
-
Comparative modeling to guide colorectal cancer screening and care
A researcher team will use computer models to study how access to care, risk, and new screening options affect colorectal cancer outcomes and costs for adults in the US.
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.