Creating a quick blood test for colorectal cancer detection in low-income countries
Official title: Development of an automated, point of care DNA methylation cartridge blood test for colorectal cancer detection in LMICs- an academic-industrial partnership
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11078739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick and easy blood test to help find colorectal cancer early, especially for people in low- and middle-income countries who might not have easy access to other tests, so they can get the care they need sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $509,917 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278816-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078739 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in low- and middle-income countries who are at risk for colorectal cancer, particularly those with limited access to diagnostic facilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients in high-income countries with established screening programs may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an automated blood test that can quickly detect colorectal cancer (CRC) using a small sample of plasma. By focusing on low- and middle-income countries, the project addresses the significant delays in CRC diagnosis due to limited access to colonoscopy and a lack of awareness about cancer symptoms. The test will analyze specific genetic markers associated with CRC, allowing for faster identification of patients who need further examination. The goal is to create a cost-effective solution that can be deployed in community health settings, improving early detection and treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the mortality rate from colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries by enabling earlier diagnosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using blood tests for cancer detection, indicating that this approach could be effective, though this specific application is innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sukumar, Saraswati — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sukumar, Saraswati
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.