DNA methylation in blood linked to colorectal cancer risk
Official title: Harnessing DNA methylation in peripheral blood for improved colorectal cancer prevention
Funded at Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11420829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large study in people without cancer now looks at blood DNA patterns to see if they can predict who will develop colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $659,326 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285851-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with a family history or other risk factors for colorectal cancer who may benefit from improved risk prediction and early detection.
✕Less likely to help
People without elevated risk factors or colorectal cancer risk markers identified in the study may not gain immediate benefit.
What this research studies
This project will analyze genome-wide DNA methylation in pre-diagnostic blood samples from tens of thousands of participants to identify markers linked to future colorectal cancer risk. By using data from long-running cohorts, researchers will connect methylation changes to genetics, gene expression, and lifestyle factors over time. The goal is to find blood-based signals that could enable earlier detection and prevention efforts for colorectal cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, people at higher risk could be identified earlier and targeted for prevention or closer screening.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked tissue methylation to CRC, but this study focuses on prediagnostic blood signals in large prospective cohorts, which is promising but still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Mingyang — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Song, Mingyang
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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.