Early-onset colorectal cancer in Hispanics: causes and genetic risks
Epidemiologic and germline genomic characterization of early-onset colorectal cancer among Hispanics
This project looks for population patterns and inherited genetic changes linked to colorectal cancer that starts before age 50 in Hispanic people, especially in Puerto Rico.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171415 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will examine cancer records and population data to map who is getting colorectal cancer early in Puerto Rico and how trends have changed. They will invite patients to provide blood or saliva samples to search for inherited gene changes that may raise risk. The team will create a biospecimen collection people can donate to and compare genetic findings with data from mainland U.S. Hispanic groups. Methods include analyzing registry numbers, sequencing germline DNA, and linking genetic results with demographic and clinical information.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are Hispanic adults (especially Puerto Ricans) diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50 and family members willing to provide a blood or saliva sample.
Not a fit: People without Hispanic ancestry or those diagnosed with colorectal cancer after age 50 may not directly benefit from findings focused on early-onset disease in Hispanic populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at higher genetic risk and guide earlier screening or tailored prevention for young Hispanic adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has found some hereditary genes linked to colorectal cancer, but focusing on early-onset cases in Puerto Rican and Hispanic groups is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
San Juan, United States
- University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences — San Juan, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez-Pons, Maria — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez-Pons, Maria
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.