Evaluating blood tests and immunotherapy for colorectal and anal cancers
Official title: Multi-omic liquid biopsy assessment in NCI trials: evaluating ctDNA, extravesicle RNA, and outcomes with immunotherapy in patient with colorectal and anal cancers
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10942040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new blood tests to see how well patients with colorectal and anal cancers might respond to immunotherapy, helping doctors make better treatment choices and potentially offering access to the latest therapies for those who join.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $181,640 |
| NIH project number | 1R50CA285403-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942040 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal or anal cancers who are considering or currently undergoing immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers other than colorectal or anal cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of advanced blood tests, specifically looking at circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and extravesicle RNA, to predict how well patients with colorectal and anal cancers respond to immunotherapy treatments. By analyzing blood samples from patients participating in clinical trials, the study aims to identify biomarkers that can guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. The research also compares different methods for detecting minimal residual disease, which could enhance future clinical trial designs. Patients may have the opportunity to receive cutting-edge therapies as part of their participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for patients with colorectal and anal cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar approaches in other cancer types, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morris, Van K — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Morris, Van K
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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.