Exploring how prescription drugs may affect the risk of digestive cancers in older adults

Leveraging Medicare Linkages to Identify New Associations: Prescription Drugs and Digestive Cancer Risk

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10425077

This study is looking at how certain prescription medications might affect the risk of digestive cancers in older adults, using a big database of Medicare and cancer information to find any connections that could help keep seniors healthier.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10425077 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the long-term health effects of prescription drugs on older adults, particularly focusing on their potential link to digestive cancers. By utilizing a large database that includes Medicare and cancer outcome data, the study aims to identify specific prescription drugs that may influence cancer risk. The approach involves analyzing detailed prescription records and cancer diagnoses to uncover associations that are often missed in traditional clinical trials. This research is crucial for understanding the implications of medication use in aging populations, where cancer risk is heightened.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are currently using prescription medications.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or who do not use prescription drugs may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-informed prescribing practices and improved cancer prevention strategies for older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in identifying drug-cancer associations using large population databases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.