Finding blood markers to detect colorectal cancer in people under 50.
Official title: Discovery and verification of methylated circulating tumor DNA markers for the detection of colorectal cancer in subjects under 50 years of age
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-10880613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a simple blood test to help find colorectal cancer in people under 50, so that those who might be at risk can get checked out early and get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $632,610 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA252042-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 50 years of age who may be at risk for colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients over 50 years of age or those without risk factors for colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a blood test that can identify colorectal cancer in individuals under 50 years of age, a group that currently lacks effective screening options. By analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood plasma, the study seeks to discover specific methylated DNA markers that indicate the presence of cancer. This minimally invasive approach could help identify young patients who need further examination, such as a colonoscopy, thereby improving early detection and treatment outcomes. The research addresses the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in younger populations and aims to enhance screening adherence among those at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a simple blood test that allows for earlier detection of colorectal cancer in younger individuals, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using blood-based tests for cancer detection, making this approach both innovative and grounded in prior successes.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hitchins, Megan P — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hitchins, Megan P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Blood test to find early colorectal cancer in people under 50
A blood test that looks for cancer-specific methylated DNA to help find colorectal cancer in people under 50.
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Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.
This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.
-
Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study
A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.
-
Ceramides and how they affect metabolism and colorectal cancer in adults
A study in adults with obesity-related health issues will explore how a fat-related molecule called ceramide influences metabolic problems and colorectal cancer risk.
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Automated point-of-care DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer in LMICs
A fast, affordable blood test using DNA markers to help identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries.
-
Rewiring Colorectal Cancer to Harness Therapeutic Hyperactivation
A Yale team is exploring brain-storming new ways to treat colorectal cancer by safely boosting certain cancer signaling pathways to kill cancer cells and by reshaping cancer cell states to improve responses to existing therapies.
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.