Evaluating the need for colonoscopy in older adults after polyp removal
Official title: Surveillance Colonoscopy in Older Adults: The SurvOlderAdults Study
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-10926824 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at whether regular colon check-ups are helpful or risky for older adults, especially those 75 and up who have had polyps removed, to see if the benefits are worth it given their other health concerns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003605-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10926824 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 75 and above who have a history of adenoma removal and are considering surveillance colonoscopy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 75 or those without a history of polyps may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness and risks of surveillance colonoscopy in older adults, particularly those aged 75 and older, who have previously had polyps removed. It aims to determine whether the benefits of continued surveillance colonoscopy outweigh the potential harms, especially given the competing health risks that older adults face. By analyzing data from veterans, the study seeks to clarify the clinical significance of colorectal cancer risk in this age group and inform better screening practices. The approach includes reviewing existing guidelines and assessing patient outcomes to provide evidence-based recommendations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more tailored and safer screening practices for older adults, potentially reducing unnecessary procedures and associated risks.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing debate about the necessity of surveillance colonoscopy in older adults, this research addresses significant evidence gaps, making it a novel approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gupta, Samir — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Gupta, Samir
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Colonoscopy with light-based tissue fingerprints to detect colorectal cancer
This project tests a new imaging method during colonoscopy to better spot and classify colorectal lesions in adults undergoing routine screening.
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Improving colonoscopy training with sensorized manikins and computer coaching
This project builds realistic sensor-equipped practice manikins and a computer coach to help doctors learn colonoscopy skills faster and more safely.
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Video-based tool to boost colonoscopy quality for low-volume doctors
A new, AI-assisted video-based approach helps lower-volume colonoscopy doctors perform higher-quality screenings to catch polyps and reduce cancer risk.
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Support to help people in rural areas get a colonoscopy
This project tests whether one-on-one patient navigation helps adults in rural, low-income communities complete a colonoscopy after a positive stool (FIT) test.
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Helping people complete colonoscopy after an abnormal stool test
This project uses team-based care and technology to help people with an abnormal at-home stool test (FIT) finish their follow-up colonoscopy.
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Helping people get recommended follow-up colonoscopies after high-risk colon polyps
This program uses electronic records and automated reminders to help patients and doctors complete the recommended three-year follow-up colonoscopy after high-risk colorectal polyps.
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.